Commanders hire Ryan Kerrigan as assistant defensive line coach

When Ryan Kerrigan announced his retirement in July, he expressed his desire to get into coaching. On Monday, six days before the start of the regular season, Kerrigan received his wish. The Washington Commanders announced the team has hired the franchise’s all-time sack leader as assistant defensive line coach.

Kerrigan played 10 seasons in the burgundy and gold. He collected 95.5 sacks, the most by any player in the Washington franchise’s history and made the Pro Bowl four times in a Washington uniform. Last week, he was named to the 90 Greatest Commanders List along with nine other players.

In 2021, he played one season with the Philadelphia Eagles, his only season with another team other than Washington.

Kerrigan signed a one-day contract on July 29 to retire as a member of the Commanders. Shortly afterward, he got his feet wet in coaching while working with the Commanders defensive line. He also was on the sideline during the preseason. Kerrigan was in a funny moment when defensive end Shaka Toney barreled over him during warmups.

Washington fired defensive line coach Sam Mills III a week into training camp. Jeff Zgonina was promoted from assistant to defensive line coach to replace Mills. That created an opening now filled by Kerrigan.