Washington BREAKING: Commanders Fire Coach Jack Del Rio; Ron Rivera New Role After Dallas Cowboys Loss

Washington BREAKING: Commanders Fire Coach Jack Del Rio; Ron Rivera New Role After Dallas Cowboys Loss

Changes are beginning to unfold in the nation's capital. 

After an embarrassing 45-10 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on national television on Thursday at AT&T Stadium, the Washington Commanders have fired defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio.

The defensive backs coach Brent Vieselmeyer was also fired after the loss on Thanksgiving. Washington head coach Ron Rivera - who made the Friday morning announcement - is expected to be the defensive play-caller now.

Commanders Cooked by Cowboys in Thanksgiving Blowout

The Commanders' (4-8) defense has been the worst in football and is allowing the most points per game (29.2). They've allowed over 30 points in seven games this season, including in their last two in losses to the New York Giants (3-8) and Cowboys (8-3). 

The Washington Commanders' defense allowed its most points this season against the Dallas Cowboys / Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The 31-19 loss to the Giants on Sunday at FedEx Field was particularly damaging with them being one of the worst offenses in football this season, yet third-string quarterback Tommy DeVito torched the defense, completing 18 of 26 passes for 244 yards. Having to play the Cowboys on a short week is likely what extended Del Rio's stint as the defensive coordinator one more game.

The Commanders are in the middle of a downward spiral having lost three straight games and eight of their last 10 after a 2-0 start to the season. Washington is also 0-5 in divisional play and has already been swept by the Giants and Philadelphia Eagles (9-1). 

There are reports that Rivera will keep his job for the year while new owner Josh Harris continues his evaluation.

While moving on from Del Rio isn't a surprise, it deserves watching to see if he's just the first domino to fall with the Commanders' bye week coming up after they play the Miami Dolphins on Dec. 3 at 1 p.m. at FedEx Stadium.