The Washington Commanders hire a new defensive run game coordinator/DL coach

Jan 24, 2019; Kissimmee, FL, USA; Los Angeles Chargers assistant defensive line coach Eric Henderson during AFC practice for the 2019 Pro Bowl at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Washington Commanders hired Daronte Jones as their new defensive coordinator, and more changes to his coaching staff were reported last night. Several coaches have already found new jobs, including former DC Joe Whitt Jr. Washington also reportedly moved on from a few more coaches who haven't found a new team.

The Commanders are reportedly hiring former Los Angeles Rams defensive line coach/run game coordinator Eric Henderson for the same position in Washington. He helped the Rams win their first Super Bowl since moving back to LA. He was Aaron Donald's coach when he was dominating offensive lines, and now comes to Washington to work with Daron Payne, Javon Kinlaw, and Johnny Newton.

Henderson spent the last two years as USC's co-defensive coordinator, defensive line coach and run game coordinator. Before that he was with the Rams for five years, and he got his NFL coaching break with the other team from Los Angeles. Henderson also played in the NFL for three seasons with the Cincinatti Bengals.

The Washington Commanders previous DL coach was Darry Tapp, and he will be reassigned" to assistant DL coach. That job was filled by Sharrif Floyd, but he was one of the three coaches the team was reportedly moving on from. Tapp and Floyd both came to Washington when Dan Quinn was hired as head coach. Tapp was also a former Washington Redskins player(2013).

The Commanders are hiring Eric Henderson as defensive run game coordinator and DL coach, per source.

Henderson, who was most recently USC's co-defensive coordinator and run game coordinator, won a Super Bowl with the Rams and Aaron Donald. Now, he heads to Washington.

- Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 5, 2026

The Commanders are hiring Eric Henderson as their defensive line coach/defensive run game coordinator, per source. Darryl Tapp is being reassigned to assistant DL coach.

- Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) February 5, 2026

Heres what Aaron Donald said about working with new #Commanders DL coach Eric Henderson back in 2022

(via:@RamsNFL) pic.twitter.com/sUbNPKY0zO

- brandon (@JayDanielsMVP) February 5, 2026