Ryan Kerrigan was named the Commanders' assistant defensive line coach on Monday, a move that came after weeks of the former Washington standout shadowing the defensive line at training camp. During the time navigating the transition from player to coach, Kerrigan has relished the opportunity to stay involved in the game he loves.  

"Being in the competition aspect," Kerrigan said. "You can't replace that. You can't replicate that outside of coaching and playing. So, that's definitely been the biggest thing for me is just still having that competitive aspect." 

In delving into coaching, Kerrigan follows a path that many retired pros have made once hanging up the cleats. Having coached the franchise's all-time sack leader just a couple seasons ago, Coach Ron Rivera is uniquely familiar with what Kerrigan can bring in this new role and was excited to bring him on board.  

"The one thing about Ryan is that from the time I got here and watched him in 2020, just how much of a true pro he is. A veteran pro. A guy that does things the right way takes care of himself the right way," Coach Rivera said. "I think that'll be very important to our young guys to learn from his example and his experience." 

Making the switch from player to coach has come with an adjustment to a different kind of workload for Kerrigan.  

"It's just interesting how your mindset shifts. You're used to seeing the schedule, the daily schedule from a player's standpoint and you're like, okay, like practice done at noon," Kerrigan said. "And then it's like, no, practice is done at noon. And you got a meeting at 12:15, and that's gonna go until it's done…it's just seeing the schedule through a different lens has been the biggest thing for me." 

When in player mode, there's more focus on what an individual has to do in the building and on the field every day to get better. There's room for a little bit of selfishness. As a coach though, it's a different story. Processing the change while embracing his strengths, Kerrigan is eager to bring this defensive line group to the next level.   

"It's all about them. It's not about me anymore. That's one of the things Coach Rivera told me as well," Kerrigan said. "When I initially met with him, he's like, coaching is...serving the players. You're of service to the players. And so that's kind of the mindset I'm taking into it."

Here's a morning roundup of what the local and national media have to say about the Washington Commanders on Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022. All reports, rumors and conjecture are a reflection of the media conversation and are not endorsed or confirmed by the Washington Commanders.

The reports and deals expressed in this article have not been confirmed by Washington, nor do they reflect any insider information from anyone in the front office.

• The Washington Times' Matthew Paras looks at how the players around Carson Wentz allow the QB to do more.
• NBC Sports Washington's Peter Hailey writes about Coach Ron Rivera's thoughts ahead of facing the Jaguars.
• The Washington Post's Nicki Jhabvala reports on the news that Ryan Kerrigan is now the Commanders assistant defensive line coach.
• The Washington Post's Sam Fortier writes that Jamin Davis is making progress in Year 2 with the Commanders.
• The Washington Post's Nicki Jhabvala writes about the Commanders believing in Carson Wentz.
• The Washington Time's Matthew Paras looks at the Commanders' excitement about Armani Rogers.
• The Washington Time's Matthew Paras reports on Ryan Kerrigan being announced as one of the team's 90 greatest players.
• The Athletic's Ben Standig looks at Curtis Samuel's new perspective ahead of his second season with the team.
• The Richmond-Times Dispatch's Michael Phillips recaps Washington's 60th annual Welcome Home Luncheon.
• NBC Sports Washington's Peter Hailey offers insight into the re-signing of Jon Bostic.
• NBC Sports Washington's Ethan Cadeaux writes about the stability Carson Wentz brings at QB.
• The Washington Post's Scott Allen gives five positive predictions for the Commanders' 2022 season.
• The Washington Post's Sam Fortier reports on the Commanders' roster moves after announcing the initial 53.

Check Out What's On Commanders.com:

• The future began in Fargo
• Commanders MVP Mando is on a mission to one day save a life
• Practice Report | Commanders begin preparation for Jacksonville
• Media roundup | Ron Rivera calls Ryan Kerrigan 'a guy that does things the right way'
• 'He's a freak': Cole Holcomb, Ron Rivera praise Milo Eifler for earning roster spot
• Commanders praise 'remarkable' progress from Armani Rogers
• Dax Milne eager to continue proving himself in Year 2
• Commanders announce inductees to 'Greatest Players' list
• 5 takeaways from Washington's initial 53-man roster
• Commanders announce practice squad
• Commanders claim CBs Tariq Castro-Fields, Rachad Wildgoose off waivers
• Transformative potential of girls’ flag football on display at Commanders’ Nike Kickoff Classic initiative
• A closer look at the Washington Commanders' initial 53-man roster
• Media roundup | Ron Rivera reflects on initial 53-man roster