Tag: Ryan Kerrigan

Washington legend Ryan Kerrigan talks helping Commanders’ pass rushers in 2024

Ryan Kerrigan discusses Washington’s success in 2024.

Ryan Kerrigan is quickly making his mark three years into his coaching career.

The Washington legend, who spent 10 of his 11 NFL seasons with the burgundy and gold, retired in 2022 and immediately jumped into coaching. Former Washington coach Ron Rivera hired Kerrigan as an assistant defensive line coach.

Earlier this year, Kerrigan was one of only a few coaches that new head coach Dan Quinn retained. Quinn gave Kerrigan a new title: Assistant linebackers coach/pass rush specialist.

This summer, Quinn praised Kerrigan for his work with former Washington first-round pick Jamin Davis. Davis had switched from linebacker to defensive end, and Kerrigan spent extra time during and after practice working with him. While Davis was later released this season, that work left an impression on Washington’s coaching staff. 

On Thursday, defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. was the latest to praise Kerrigan for his work with veteran edge rusher Dante Fowler Jr. Fowler, who leads the Commanders with 8.5 sacks, is on pace to break his career high of 11.5 sacks, which he set in 2019 with the Rams. 

“The past couple years, his sack numbers haven’t been as high,” Whitt said of Fowler. “He’s won, he’s beat the tackle, he just hasn’t controlled and finished on the quarterback. And I give all that credit to Ryan Kerrigan. He’s done just a heck of a job taking Dante, and once you get past the tackle, control to the quarterback and finish. That’s really what he’s worked with him for a long time and it’s showing. And then the production that Dante’s having. So, that’s all Ryan right there.”

On Friday, we finally heard from Kerrigan, who explained his work with Fowler.

Kerrigan spoke about Fowler finishing at the top of the rush and how the veteran is playing at a high level so deep into his career.

Washington’s all-time sack leader also discussed Whitt and what working for the new coach was like.

“It’s been awesome,” Kerrigan said. “His demeanor with the players is outstanding. A guy that I feel like as a player, you wanna go play for him. He’s honest.”

Finally, we get to hear what Kerrigan thinks of all of Washington’s changes and how fun things are.

“It’s been great; I mean, it’s awesome,” Kerrigan said with a smile. “We obviously got a long way and are far from where we want to be, but it’s been cool. It’s cool to see the resurgence in the fans at the stadium. Just the energy around the building has been awesome. It’s been really fun to come to work everyday and I think that permeates not just the staff but the players alike and and really just everybody in the building.”

For longtime Washington fans, it’s good to see Kerrigan as a part of a winner in the burgundy and gold.

Commanders DC Joe Whitt credits Ryan Kerrigan

Ryan Kerrigan earns praise from from DC Joe Whitt.

Ryan Kerrigan is one of the greatest players in the 90-plus-year history of the Washington NFL franchise. A first-round pick in the 2011 NFL draft, Kerrigan played 10 seasons in the burgundy and gold before former coach Ron Rivera foolishly allowed Kerrigan to play his final season elsewhere.

Kerrigan set the franchise record for sacks with 95.5, and after playing the 2021 season with the Philadelphia Eagles, he returned to Washington to retire, where he immediately jumped into coaching.

In 2022, Kerrigan was named the Commanders’ new assistant defensive line coach, a role he held for two seasons until Rivera was fired after the 2023 season. New head Dan Quinn kept Kerrigan, naming him the new assistant linebackers coach/pass rush specialist.

Earlier this season, head coach Dan Quinn praised Kerrigan for his work with former first-round pick Jamin Davis. While Davis was ultimately released after changing positions, coaches were impressed with the work and time Kerrigan spent with Davis to learn a new position.

As it turns out, Davis isn’t the only player Kerrigan has helped this season.

Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. praised Kerrigan for his work with veteran edge rusher Dante Fowler Jr. Fowler leads the Commanders with 8.5 sacks, and the 10-year veteran is on pace to set a new career-high in sacks.

“The past couple years, his sack numbers haven’t been as high,” Whitt said of Fowler. “He’s won, he’s beat the tackle, he just hasn’t controlled and finished on the quarterback. And I give all that credit to Ryan Kerrigan. He’s done just a heck of a job taking Dante, and once you get past the tackle, control to the quarterback and finish. That’s really what he’s worked with him for a long time and it’s showing. And then the production that Dante’s having. So, that’s all Ryan right there.”

That’s high praise for the beloved Kerrigan. Consider that Fowler has been with Quinn for years, dating back to when he was a college player at Florida. He’s been with Whitt since 2020. They know him well and recognize that it was Kerrigan who helped Fowler take another step in his career at 30 years old.

Some coaches make it in the coaching world because of their name and who they know. Kerrigan isn’t the type to rest on his name. After a terrific playing career, the future is even brighter for the 36-year-old Kerrigan in the next phase of his football career.

 

Ryan Kerrigan helping Jamin Davis in his new role as a pass rusher

The franchise legend is helping Jamin Davis in his new role.

Jamin Davis is entering a critical point in his career. Washington’s fourth-year linebacker is adjusting to a new position this season, which also happens to be a contract year for the 2021 first-round pick.

Through three seasons, Davis has had his share of ups and downs, leading the team to unsurprisingly decline his fifth-year option for 2025.

The Commanders hired a new coach this offseason. Dan Quinn replaced Ron Rivera — the man who drafted him. Despite the change, Davis is excited about playing under Quinn and receiving a fresh start.

Washington added two starting linebackers in free agency — Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu — leaving Davis’ role in question. However, Quinn believed Davis’ athleticism could be beneficial at edge rusher. Considering the Commanders’ need for a quality pass rush, it could prove to be a wise move.

The good news for Davis is he has some help. Franchise legend Ryan Kerrigan, who holds the team’s all-time sack record, is now the assistant linebackers coach/pass rush specialist. Before Day 2 of training camp practice, Quinn spoke of Davis’ development and Kerrigan’s assistance.

“Well, coming into it, I wanted to find out what were all the unique things he could do,” Quinn said. “So, in the spring, alright, I want to see him guard a tight end. Now, I want to see him guard a back, and then now, let me see as the pass rush goes. How do you utilize this size and length that he has? And so, part of that experiment is to see, let me see more rush.”

Quinn then discusses Kerrigan’s involvement.

“What’s nice is having a guy like Ryan Kerrigan here that can work specifically on the skills that we’re going to ask Jamin to do,” Quinn said.

“So, you’ll him before and after practice. Sometimes, you’re going to see small moments, like in micro-teaching sessions for five or 10 minutes a day with somebody that, over time, can add up. When you keep doing that over and over, you’re skills are going to increase. And, so, Ryan and Jamin are closely connected because when you have to play more than one position, there’s a burden that comes with the player……….So, Ryan has been an integral part of Jamin’s development as an end of the line rusher.”

Some believe Davis could be on the roster bubble because Quinn moved on from him as an every-down linebacker. However, in hearing the coach talk about Davis, it’s clear he believes he can thrive in this role. If Davis can become a quality pass rusher, it will help Washington in 2024 and Davis next spring when he becomes a free agent.

Commanders P Tress Way perfectly describes why this team feels different

Tress Way explains a critical difference between this version of the Commanders and the others he’s been a part of.

Washington Commanders punter Tress Way has seen a lot during his time with the franchise. Claimed off waivers by Washington in August 2014, Way has played for Jay Gruden, Bill Callahan, Ron Rivera and now Dan Quinn as head coaches.

He’s seen even more coordinators and position coaches during his time in Washington. Way has been outspoken this offseason about why he’s pumped up for this new regime led by owner Josh Harris, general manager Adam Peters and Quinn.

After the Commanders concluded the offseason last week, Way spoke to reporters and explained why this team feels different than in past years.

“Just like every other June 12th, we are playing each other,” Way said in response to how this team was different on June 12th than in previous years.

“But I think the mental side of this team’s June 12th versus any other team I’ve ever been a part of, everything is so on purpose.”

That’s a good answer from Way. He acknowledges that it’s June 12th, they haven’t played a game yet, and nothing truly matters. However, he did note the difference without throwing any of his past coaches under the bus.

There are many differences between this year’s team and previous ones. And that starts with ownership. If you’ve followed Washington long enough, you’d understand why. The Commanders now have a professional owner who hired quality professionals to run the organization the way it hasn’t been done since 1999.

No one understands this better than Way or franchise legend Ryan Kerrigan. Way has been with the organization for 11 seasons now, while Kerrigan has been in Washington since 2011, except for the 2021 season.

Way still hasn’t decided on a new number, and he continues to wear the temporary No. 10 jersey. He gave up the No. 5 jersey he has worn since 2014 to rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Commanders LB Jamin Davis sees a new opportunity

Davis excited about the possibilities of rushing the passer more.

Jamin Davis knows this upcoming season is crucial for him.

Davis spoke with the media, on Wednesday at the OTA in Ashburn.

When asked about the new defense being installed by the new coaching staff, Davis didn’t hesitate in saying, “It’s giving me a chance to just really cut it loose and just go hunt some quarterbacks, honestly.”

The fourth-year linebacker out of Kentucky was surprisingly selected 19th overall by Ron Rivera in the 2021 draft. Davis has had flashes where his athletic ability was observed but he is certainly aware he has not performed near the expectations of a 19th overall selection.

He spoke vaguely of wanting to do something in his past Washington defenses, “but never had an opportunity to do so and I am going to put my best foot forward.”

When asked about this being the final year of his first NFL contract, Davis responded that he doesn’t think about that at all. But then, interestingly offered, “It’s just another chip on your shoulder. You go out there and you try to make some noise as much as possible and hopefully, you do what you can to stay here.”

Davis was thus admitting, he feels he must have his best season thus far, or he will not return in 2025.

Joe Whitt Jr., the Commanders defensive coordinator has Davis’ attention. Davis pointed out that Whitt “comes to work every day and does whatever he needs to do to make this team and defense go in the right direction.” Davis continued, “I don’t think Coach Whitt was BSing around when he said it was a run and hit defense.”

With the Commanders having signed veteran linebackers Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu, they will likely be starting. What does this mean for Davis’ playing time?

He may be used more as a pass rusher in 2024. He even offered Wednesday, regarding his working some extra with assistant coach Ryan Kerrigan, “He’s been extremely helpful actually. We have been doing things on the side, drills after practice, watching whatever film so I can see what footwork I need to possibly get there a step quicker. Having a guy like that on staff is really beneficial so you can hopefully try to go get his sack number.”

Kerrigan in his ten seasons with Washington accumulated 147 QB Hits in addition to his 95.5 QB sacks. Davis is thinking more about getting after quarterbacks in 2024.

Ryan Kerrigan ‘very excited’ to be back with the Commanders and Dan Quinn

Ryan Kerrigan is excited to be back and loves the energy Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. have brought to the organization.

Ryan Kerrigan is a Washington legend. There was a lot of heartbreak and disappointment in Dan Snyder’s 24 years as Washington’s owner, but Kerrigan was one of the bright spots.

A first-round pick in 2011, Kerrigan spent 10 seasons in the burgundy and gold before Ron Rivera inexplicably allowed him to depart for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2021. After one season with the Eagles, Kerrigan announced his retirement and quickly joined Rivera’s coaching staff ahead of the 2022 season.

While initially joining to see if he wanted a career in coaching, the Commanders fired former defensive line coach Sam Mills III and promoted Jeff Zgonina to replace him. Rivera promoted Kerrigan to replace Zgonina, and he’s been a full-time coach since.

Rivera was fired last month and replaced by Dan Quinn. Quinn spent the next few weeks putting together his coaching staff and retained four coaches from Rivera’s staff — Kerrigan was one of those coaches.

Kerrigan’s new title is Assistant Linebackers Coach/Pass Rush Specialist.

This week, Kerrigan spoke about returning under a new coaching staff.

“I’m very excited,” Kerrigan said. “Coach Quinn has brought a really good jolt of energy to the program, and I’m excited to get going with it.”

What about new defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr?

“Coach Whitt has been very energetic in our meetings,” he said. “Same with Coach Quinn, so we’re excited to get going and get the ball rolling.”

Kerrigan spoke about what was next for Washington’s new coaching staff: player evaluation. Having Kerrigan return is a bonus for Quinn and new GM Adam Peters because he’s been here and knows the roster well.

Kerrigan can offer his opinion on Washington’s current linebacker group and the defensive line. What does he think of young defensive ends K.J. Henry and Andre Jones Jr? Which free-agent defensive end should the Commanders bring back between Casey Toohill and James Smith-Williams?

While it was a difficult 2023 season, and the franchise needed change, it’s good to see Kerrigan back in the burgundy and gold.

Here is the Commanders’ coaching staff for 2024

Introducing Washington’s 2024 coaching staff.

The Washington Commanders appear close to having a full coaching staff. New head coach Dan Quinn has assembled an impressive coaching staff over the past two weeks, adding three more names on Wednesday.

Washington hired Anthony Lynn, the former Chargers head coach and current 49ers assistant head coach and running backs coach, to coach running backs and lead the running game. Additionally, the Commanders hired Tom Donatell (defensive backs) and Darryl Tapp (defensive line) to complete the staff.

From all indications, everyone around the NFL believes Quinn has hired an elite staff. Washington hired two former head coaches and three former coordinators (four, if you count special teams coach Larry Izzo). There were concerns about some positions, and the Commanders alleviated those concerns by layering them with another tremendous hire.

Washington returns four coaches from last season’s staff, including franchise legend Ryan Kerrigan.

Here is the Commanders’ 2024 coaching staff.

Note: We will add anyone Washington announces that isn’t on this list.

Bobby Engram to return as Commanders wide receivers coach

Bobby Engram is the third Washington assistant set to return in 2024.

As Dan Quinn continues to fill out his first coaching staff for the Commanders, another holdover from Ron Rivera’s staff will return in 2024.

Former NFL player and veteran coach Bobby Engram will return next season as Washington’s wide receivers coach, per Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post. Engram was hired by Eric Bieniemy last offseason and joins quarterbacks coach Tavita Pritchard coaches who’ll be on Quinn’s staff.

Washington’s wide receivers took a step back last season, although that had more to do with Bieniemy’s offense than Engram’s coaching. The Commanders’ wideouts had issues separating consistently, and Washington’s route concepts were often criticized.

Engram, 51, is a former second-round pick of the Chicago Bears. He played 14 NFL seasons and finished his career with 650 receptions, 7,751 receiving yards and 35 touchdowns. His coaching career began immediately after playing with the 49ers in 2011.

In his 13-year coaching career, Engram has had stops with the 49ers (2011), Pitt Panthers (2012-13), Baltimore Ravens (2014-21) and Wisconsin (2022) before coming to Washington in 2023.

One person happy that Engram was back: Wide receiver — and fellow Penn State alum — Jahan Dotson.

Engram, Pritchard and Ryan Kerrigan will all return in 2024, with Kerrigan taking on the role of outside linebackers coach/pass rush specialist.

The only position offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury must fill on his staff now is running backs coach. Former running backs coach Randy Jordan is now in Tennessee.

Ryan Kerrigan to return to the Commanders in 2024

Good news. Ryan Kerrigan is back in 2024.

Franchise icon Ryan Kerrigan will return to the Washington Commanders in 2024.

According to John Keim of ESPN, Kerrigan will remain on Washington’s coaching staff under new head coach Dan Quinn. Kerrigan began his coaching career two years ago as the assistant offensive line coach. Kerrigan will serve as the assistant linebackers coach/pass rush specialist in his new role.

Kerrigan holds Washington’s franchise record with 95.5 sacks. He was a first-round pick out of Purdue in 2011, playing 10 seasons in the burgundy and gold before finishing his career with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2021.

Kerrigan joined the Commanders as a coaching intern in 2022. When former head coach Ron Rivera fired defensive line coach Sam Mills III, Jeff Zgonina was promoted to replace him, and Kerrigan later replaced Zgonina.

In 2022, Kerrigan was named one of the 90 greatest players in franchise history.

The Commanders have yet to name a new defensive line coach or linebackers coach but hired Joe Whitt Jr. as the defensive coordinator. Quinn will also be heavily involved with Washington’s defense.

Ben Standig of The Athletic also reported that tight end coach Todd Storm and offensive line coaches Travelle Wharton and Juan Castillo will not return in 2024.

The Commanders hired Bobby Johnson as offensive line coach earlier Monday.

Former Washington player details when he thinks Chase Young’s relationship with Commanders changed

Some great insight from a former Washington player on when he believes Chase Young’s relationship with the Commanders may have changed.

Chase Young’s tenure with the Washington Commanders ended last week with 14 sacks in less than four full seasons. It’s a disappointing ending for the former No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft, who is now a member of the San Franciso 49ers.

There were many reasons Young’s time with Washington didn’t go as planned. First, there was the knee injury. Young tore his ACL in Nov. 2021 while also injuring his patellar tendon and didn’t return until Christmas Eve 2022.

But before Young’s injury, he struggled. He had only 1.5 sacks in the nine games before his injury. In three games last season, Young did not record a sack, meaning he had just 1.5 sacks over the past two seasons combined.

There was also Young choosing to skip voluntary OTAs in 2021. That angered head coach Ron Rivera and the entire coaching staff. Young felt he had arrived after an impressive rookie and used his offseason to shoot commercials. While it was voluntary, he was a captain and the only player who skipped the offseason program.

One former Washington player believes he knows when Young’s relationship with the Commanders changed.

Former Washington defensive tackle Kedric Golston played 11 NFL seasons — all with Washington. He last played in 2016, which meant he played six seasons with the franchise’s all-time sack leader, Ryan Kerrigan.

Kerrigan, of course, is now in his second season as Washington’s assistant defensive line coach after retiring ahead of the 2022 season. Kerrigan last played for Washington in 2020, spending his final season in Philadelphia before joining the Commanders’ staff in the summer of July 2022. That means Kerrigan had the opportunity to play with Young for one season and coach him for two seasons.

Golston believes Kerrigan’s departure after the 2020 season was a turning point for Young and the Commanders.

“I think when the Commanders or the Washington Football Team didn’t re-sign Kerrigan after Chase’s second year, in my opinion, I think that set him back from a development standpoint,” Golston said last week in an appearance on “The Hoffman Show” on Team 980 with host Craig Hoffman.

“Because now, you have two young guys (Young and Montez Sweat) in the room versus a guy, say what you want to about Kerrigan; I know he’s on the staff now, but it was a guy you could lock him in for 10-11 sacks a year and was just a quiet assassin. We would’ve been better as an organization; this guy (Young) would’ve been on every billboard around because that’s the type of player that he was. I think putting him with other guys, that, one that he respects, two, that he can learn from, because not only do they seem to be professional off the field but on the field playing at a high level. I think he’s going to grow from it.”

Throughout his rookie season, Young took every opportunity to praise Kerrigan.

This was outstanding insight from Golston. Golston also believes Washington’s defense could be better without Young and Sweat, not because they aren’t terrific players, but because defensive line play is all about cohesion.

Letting Kerrigan go after the 2020 season could’ve been avoided. Kerrigan signed with the Eagles on a one-year, $2.5 million contract, something the Commanders could have easily afforded at the time. Not only would Kerrigan have been around to serve as a mentor to Young and Sweat, but he would’ve given Washington a third edge rusher, something it needed in 2021.