Commanders Coach Ryan Kerrigan Keeps 'Competitive' Edge in New Role

Kerrigan is making his coaching debut with the Commanders.

Jeremy Brener | Sep 6, 2022

Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

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Washington Commanders

Ryan Kerrigan is back with the Washington Commanders, but he's here for a different purpose in his second stint with the franchise.

After rushing the passer and climbing up all the way to No. 2 on the franchise's all-time sack list for a decade, Kerrigan is back to coach the current defensive ends to do what he did so well for so long ... and some of those players include his former teammates.

Earlier this offseason, Kerrigan, 34, signed a one-day contract with the Commanders, the same franchise that drafted him 16th overall in the 2011 NFL Draft. Kerrigan always wanted to get into coaching, and it turned out his former team provided a perfect fit.

"I didn't anticipate an opportunity to come so quick because of the timing of it, being that it was right in late July, but I'm really thankful," Kerrigan said. "Coach Rivera gave me this opportunity and I'm just hoping to prove him right.”

Ron Rivera, who coached Kerrigan in 2020, knew that his former linebacker would be a positive addition to the coaching staff.

"The one thing about Ryan is that from the time I got here and watched him in 2020, just how much of a true pro he is," Rivera said. "A veteran pro. A guy that does things the right way takes care of himself the right way. I think that'll be very important to our young guys to learn from his example and his experience."

Kerrigan will lead a young unit, but one that can be very talented if they are coached right and remain healthy.

Kerrigan will make his coaching debut for the Commanders Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.

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Published Sep 6, 2022

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.