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Ron Rivera is no longer the Commanders head coach after four seasons in Washington. The former Panthers coach was widely credited with helping restore the franchise’s culture early in his tenure, but he failed to put together a single winning season on the sidelines, finishing 26-40-1 – with 0-1 playoff record – – from 2020 to 2023.
Rivera’s exit isn’t surprising, but it does confirm an upcoming shake-up of the Commanders during the 2024 offseason, when the team’s new ownership group led by Josh Harris will also hold the No. 2 overall draft pick. the NFL 2024, plus $78 at the top of the league. million dollars in projected salary cap space. Which coaches should be on Washington’s radar moving forward?
Here are some of the top potential candidates for the Commanders opening:
11. Aaron Glenn
Current position: Lions defensive coordinator
Glenn, 51, hasn’t dominated Detroit’s defense on paper, but he’s a widely respected leader both in the building and in the NFL, building on a 15-year playing career to connect with his mentees. This is probably why Washington quick to ask for an interview following Rivera’s dismissal.
10. Todd Monken
Current position: Ravens Offensive Coordinator
Monken, 57, spent more time in college than in the NFL during his career, but he helped Lamar Jackson reach new levels of efficiency in the quarterback’s latest MVP bid, bringing more balance to Baltimore’s attack. He also has head coaching experience, overseeing Southern Miss’ gradual improvement from 2013-2015.
9. Raheem Morris
Current position: Rams defensive coordinator
Morris, 47, helped guide Sean McVay to another improbable playoff run after an unofficial offseason destruction, and he also oversaw the Los Angeles “D” when the team won the Super Bowl in 2021. Widely praised for his player-friendly approach, he also has head coaching experience gained during his years with the Buccaneers (2009-2011). Washington is already planning to interview him.
8. Brian Flores
Current position: Vikings defensive coordinator
Flores, 42, had a rocky start from Miami, where he went 24-25 in three seasons as Dolphins coach, but often led his defense to overachieve. This was again the case for Minnesota in 2023; his unit helped the Vikings stay in the playoff race longer than expected. If Washington wants a disciplined Bill Belichick disciple, he’ll do the job.
7. Bobby Slowik
Current position: Texans offensive coordinator
Slowik, 36, is still finishing his first season as OC, but his impressive work with Houston’s rookie QB CJ Stroud follows six years as Kyle Shanahan’s key assistant. He also has ties to the organization, beginning his coaching career as a defensive assistant for Washington under Mike Shanahan from 2011-2013.
6. Mike McDonald
Current position: Ravens defensive coordinator
Macdonald, 36, is one of the hottest young defensive minds in the game, overseeing two consecutive top-10 finishes by the Baltimore “D” as coordinator, including a historic 2023 campaign filled with sacks and takeaway meals. In total, he has spent the last 10 years working under the Harbaugh brothers, including 2021 as Jim’s DC at Michigan.
5. Frank Smith
Current position: Dolphins offensive coordinator
Smith, 42, is sometimes overlooked because head coach Mike McDaniel draws many of Miami’s high-octane plays. But he’s now helped McDaniel to back-to-back top-five finishes, unlocking Tua Tagovailoa as an MVP-type QB. He also worked under Sean Payton with the playoff-contending Saints from 2010 to 2014.
4. Ben Johnson
Current position: Lions Offensive Coordinator
Johnson, 37, is perhaps the most coveted of the emerging offensive minds, helping Jared Goff return to Pro Bowl form (and Detroit finally becoming NFL relevant again). The appeal for him lies not so much in managing teams as maximizing offensive talent, which could be vital for Washington as it attempts to capitalize on its resources for 2024. Unsurprisingly, commanders have already asked to interview Johnson.
3. Mike Vrabel
Current position: Titans head coach
Vrabel, 48, is under contract with Tennessee, but reports indicate his future with a rebuilding Titans team is unclear. If he’s made available via trade or outright let go, his old-school leadership and proven track record — four winning seasons and three playoff trips in six years with the Titans — should be widely coveted. The Commanders’ new owners may prefer a younger offensive mind, but Vrabel’s vision still carries too much weight in today’s NFL to ignore.
2. Jim Harbaugh
Current position: Michigan head coach
Harbaugh, 60, has been flirting with a return to the NFL for years, and he would be an easy target for anyone with a vacancy, posting an illustrious record at each stop as head coach, of the 49ers (2011-2014 ). at Michigan (2015-present). He’s the complete package for a franchise ready to reset at key spots like QB: big name, proven winner, offensive experience. Perhaps the biggest obstacle, of course, is competition; Harbaugh might prefer a return to the West Coast to a team like the Chargers or Raiders.
1. Bill Belichick
Current position: Patriots head coach
Belichick, 71, has floundered a bit since Tom Brady’s release from the Patriots, going just 29-38 from 2020 to 2023. It’s clear he could benefit from relinquishing control over personnel and d ‘a refocusing on the plan and the fundamentals. But there is no more proven winner in the coaching ranks, and his five Super Bowl rings would surely shine for a franchise desperate to instill championship aspirations. Raised in Annapolis, Maryland, less than an hour from Washington, D.C., Belichick may not be a long-term solution at his age, but there would hardly be a better place to land as a as quasi-general manager, with such prestigious choices. and cap the space on the folder. New owner consults former Golden State Warriors general manager Bob Myers in search for new coach; Belichick’s decorated resume could stand out if it’s high-level experience they’re really looking for.
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