Commanders fire DC Jack Del Rio after blowout loss to Cowboys - ESPN

ASHBURN, Va. — The Commanders have fired defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio, coach Ron Rivera announced Friday, as the Washington defense has plummeted to the bottom of the NFL rankings after entering the season with high expectations.

The Commanders (4-8) have lost three in a row — including their 45-10 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday — and eight of the past 10. They had hoped the defense would be a consistent force, given how many new parts they had on offense. But instead the defense became an albatross.

As the losses mounted, so did pressure for the organization to make a move.

Rivera is expected to take over the defensive playcalling for the rest of the season, sources told ESPN.

The Commanders' defense ranks last in points allowed and 29th in yards allowed — one year after ranking seventh and third, respectively, in those categories. The Commanders consistently gave up big plays and failed to make many of their own.

Washington has allowed a league-high 49 pass plays of 20 yards or more. The Commanders haven't intercepted a pass in the past six games or caused a turnover in the past three.

Defensive backs coach Brent Vieselmeyer was also fired Friday.

«I appreciate all that they have contributed to the organization over the past four seasons and wish team all the best moving forward,» Rivera said in a statement.

Commanders owner Josh Harris said he accepted Rivera's recommendations to dismiss Del Rio and Vieselmeyer.

«I feel exactly how our fans feel today: disappointed and frustrated. It's how our players and staff feel as well,» Harris said in a statement. «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