The Washington Commanders announced today they have named John Pagano as the team's senior defensive assistant.
Pagano joins the Commanders with 32 years of coaching experience, most recently as the special assistant to the head coach at the University of Connecticut.
From 2020-21, Pagano served as the outside linebackers coach for the Denver Broncos. In 2020, linebacker Bradley Chubb earned his first career Pro Bowl honors after recording 7.5 sacks and 19 quarterback hits in 14 games played.
Pagano spent two seasons (2018-19) with the Houston Texans as senior defensive assistant/outside linebackers coach. During his time with the Texans, he worked closely with linebackers Jadeveon Clowney and Whitney Mercilus. In 2018, Clowney earned his third consecutive Pro Bowl nod and in 2019, Mercilus was one of two players to record at least seven sacks, two interceptions and four forced fumbles.
n 2017, Pagano was the defensive assistant head coach for the Oakland Raiders. In Week 12, he took over play calling duties and helped the Raiders pass rush record the seventh-most sacks (17) in the final six games of the season after ranking last in the league in sacks through the first 10 games of the season.
Before his time in Oakland, Pagano spent 15 seasons with the San Diego Chargers in various defensive coaching roles – defensive coordinator (2012-16), linebackers (2009-11), outside linebackers (2007-08), assistant linebackers/quality control (2005-06) and defensive assistant/quality control (2002-04). While with the Chargers, the team scored the fifth most defensive touchdowns (17) during the span and had six playoff appearances.
Pagano spent four seasons (1998-2001) as a defensive assistant with the Indianapolis Colts. He started his NFL coaching career with the New Orleans Saints in 1996 as a defensive assistant after six seasons as a college assistant - University of Mississippi (1995), Louisiana Tech (1994), UNLV (1990-91) and Mesa State (1989) and one as a high school coach - Overland High School, Aurora, Colo. (1992-93).
A Boulder, Colo. Native, Pagano played linebacker at Colorado Mesa University for four seasons (1985-88).
