Feb. 5, 2026, 2:30 a.m. ET
The Washington Commanders continue to reshape their coaching staff for 2026. After moving on from offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr., and offensive line coach Bobby Johnson, the Commanders parted ways with franchise legend Ryan Kerrigan and two others last weekend.
Head coach Dan Quinn is serious about upgrading a 5-12 team. The Commanders promoted David Blough to replace Kingsbury, Darnell Stapleton to replace Johnson and hired former Vikings’ secondary coach Daronte Jones as the new defensive coordinator.
On Wednesday, Jones began reshaping his staff, hiring former Rams’ and USC defensive line coach/run game coordinator Eric Henderson to the same roles with the Commanders.
Henderson’s addition is a massive move for Washington. Considered one of the NFL’s top defensive line coaches, Henderson stepped away from the NFL for the last two seasons, working at USC.
Here are six things to know about the Commanders’ new defensive line coach.
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.Aaron Donald is a huge fan
Henderson coached the future Hall of Famer for five seasons. Donald spoke about how Henderson challenged him and made him a better player. Even when Donald was widely considered the NFL’s best defensive player, he worked with Henderson on the field and in the film room to become a better player. After Donald stepped away from the game after the 2023 season and Henderson went to USC, Donald showed up to Trojans’ games to support his former coach and mentor.
A college star at Georgia Tech
Henderson played four seasons for Georgia Tech, from 2001-05. He became a three-time All-ACC defensive end and, when he left Atlanta, was the school’s all-time leader in tackles for loss and top five in sacks.
Henderson played 6 seasons of pro football
Henderson was an undrafted free agent in 2006, signing with the Cincinnati Bengals. He spent three years with Cincinnati before he was released in 2009. From there, Henderson landed in the United Football League, playing three seasons for the Las Vegas Locomotives. He helped Las Vegas win two UFL championships under former NFL coach Jim Fassel.
Henderson has a Super Bowl ring
Henderson spent five seasons coaching the Rams‘ defensive line. In 2021, he was named the John Teerlinck Defensive Line Coach of the Year award winner. Henderson helped lead the Rams to a top-five finish in sacks, tackles for loss and yards per rushing attempt. Los Angeles would defeat the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI and the Rams sacked the Bengals seven times, tying a Super Bowl record.
An elite recruiter at USC
Henderson began his coaching career at Georgia Military in 2012. In 2013, he moved to Oklahoma State for three seasons before spending the 2016 season at UTSA. In 2017, he joined the NFL, serving as the Chargers’ assistant defensive line coach for two seasons before joining the Rams in 2019. In only two years at USC, Henderson became an elite recruiter and was 247Sports‘ No. 1 recruiter for 2026. Not only is Henderson considered an elite coach, but he also quickly adjusted to big-time college football before returning to the NFL.
Henderson’s style
Physicality is non-negotiable. That should be music to Dan Quinn’s ears. If you aren’t playing fast and physical football, you won’t play for Henderson.
More from Henderson on what he expects.
“We have to earn the right to rush the passer,” Henderson says. “And the way you do that, you have to be able to stop the run. If you can’t stop the run, you’re never going to be able to get after the quarterback. So, we take pride in stopping the run first, knowing that will allow us opportunities to rush on third down. And we feast.”
Washington’s defensive linemen better not take any plays off in 2026.