Commanders Fire Defensive Coordinator After Thanksgiving Embarrassment

ASHBURN, VA — The Washington Commanders have fired defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio, the team said Friday. On Thanksgiving, the team was pummeled by the rival Dallas Cowboys 45-10.

Defensive backs coach Brent Vieselmeyer was also relieved of his duties on Friday, Commanders officials said. The decision was made by head coach Ron Rivera and approved by Josh Harris, who is in his first season as the team's owner.

The Commanders fell to a 4-8 record on Thursday and dropped further out of playoff contention.

The personnel change comes amid growing speculation about Rivera's future with the organization. The Washington Post's Candace Buckner described Rivera's possible dismissal at the end of the season as "inevitable."

"I accepted [Rivera's] recommendations and want to thank Jack and Brent for their contributions to the Commanders," Harris said in a statement. "We wish them and their families well moving forward."

Through Thanksgiving's games, the Commanders pass defense ranked worst in the league. The defense has allowed a total of 377.7 yards per game this season, fourth-worst in the league. The Commanders have also allowed the most points in the NFL.

"I feel exactly how our fans feel today: disappointed and frustrated," Harris said. "It's how our players and staff feel as well. I knew our first season of ownership would include challenges along the way, and we will not shy away from hard work, nor will we be deterred by adversity."

ESPN reported that Rivera will call plays for the defense for the remainder of the season.

"As Coach Rivera and I discussed, all of our energy for the remainder of the season will be focused on playing better, more consistent football, and developing our players while intently evaluating the areas in which we need to improve this offseason."

Harris is hoping to change the culture in a team that was constantly embroiled in controversy under former owner Dan Snyder.

"Our fans deserve a team that can compete with the NFL's best and win sustainably over the long term. I will not waver from that mission," Harris said on Friday. "Thank you to our fans for the ways in which you've breathed new life into our franchise. We have not been good enough this season, but our resolve for the future is unbroken."

Del Rio had previously fueled controversy in June 2022 when he called the Jan. 6, 2021 attacks at the U.S. Capitol "a dust-up."

"People's livelihoods are being destroyed, businesses are being burned down – no problem. And then we have a dust-up at the Capitol, nothing burned down – and we're gonna make that a major deal?" Del Rio told reporters in 2022.

Rivera later fined Del Rio $100,000 for the comments.

"His comments do not reflect the organization's views and are extremely hurtful to our great community here in the DMV," Rivera wrote in a statement.

The Commanders next game will be against the Miami Dolphins on Dec. 3 at FedEx Field.