Head coach Dan Quinn didn't keep many Ron Rivera holdovers on his staff. Not many Washington Commanders fans were complaining about that, especially given how things unfolded during his disastrous four-year tenure as head coach, which set the franchise back considerably.
And now, Quinn could be set to lose one of the trusted assistants who stuck around if a bombshell report is accurate.
According to college football analyst Landon Tengwall, Bobby Engram is going to interview for the vacant head coaching gig at Penn State. He's one of the most prolific wide receivers in program history, so this would be a popular hire as the Nittany Lions look to replace James Franklin with a permanent hire.
Commanders would be powerless to stop Bobby Engram from joining Penn State
Engram is the wide receivers coach in Washington. He was hired in 2023 and is highly respected in the building. Although things haven't gone quite according to plan with the Commanders this season, the esteem in which he is held by everyone in Penn State warrants closer examination.
It's not hard to see why this would be an intriguing job opportunity for Engram. It's with his alma mater. They have deep pockets when it comes to recruitment. They have also flattered to deceive in recent years, especially in big games. Having someone leading the charge with strong roots to the college and a proven NFL pedigree could be a risk worth taking if he impresses enough during the interview process.
While he's not the only candidate, it's still a noteworthy development. And although Quinn won't like it, he'd be powerless to prevent Engram from taking the job.
The Commanders will make contingency plans if Engram gets a formal offer to take over at Penn State. That wouldn't be the only coaching shift this offseason, with Quinn poised to implement defensive changes after taking over coordinator duties from Joe Whitt Jr. before Week 11 against the Miami Dolphins.
Nothing is set in stone as yet. Engram has to convince the Nittany Lions' decision-makers that he is capable of putting in place the plan that gets Penn State back among the college football heavyweights. Easier said than done, but the fact that he is on their radar represents an intriguing development that the Commanders need to observe.
Nobody would begrudge Engram the opportunity to coach the college team where he starred en route to becoming a second-round pick. What's essential for the Commanders is finding the right replacement if he does end up getting such a coveted opening.
Watch this space…