In the NFL coaching industry, another former Wisconsin Badgers coach is assuming a bigger position.
A different former Badger is making progress toward becoming a defensive coordinator, while Wisconsin supporters are anxiously anticipating Jim Leonhard’s next coaching decision.
Daronte Jones is being hired as the Washington Commanders’ new defensive coordinator.
While also playing offensive snaps, Jones coached safety Tanner McEvoy in 2015 at Wisconsin, helping him achieve a career-high in interceptions.
After one season in Madison, he moved on to his first NFL coaching job, and then-head coach Paul Chryst replaced him on staff with Leonhard.
Prior to now, Jones worked for a few seasons with the Minnesota Vikings’ coaching staff under Brian Flores, the defensive coordinator, but now he’s starting his own business.
On the other side of the field, in Washington, he will be playing alongside former Badgers center Tyler Biadasz.
This winter, Jones interviewed with five different teams for their defensive coordinator positions, including the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys.
Now that his Denver Broncos have been eliminated from the playoffs, it’s conceivable that two former Badgers coaches could step into coordinator positions in the NFL if Leonhard gets his chance. Several teams still have coordinator roles available.
