5 dark horse candidates to replace Commanders DC Jack Del Rio in 2024

Commanders could hire Larry Foote

• Pass Game Coordinator/Inside Linebackers Coach | Tampa Bay Buccaneers

If the Washington Commanders want someone with more in the way of legitimate NFL experience, then offering Larry Foote full defensive control would be something to consider. Currently serving with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the two-time Super Bowl winner might relish the prospect of joining a big market team that could springboard him to a head coaching gig somewhere down the line.

Someone like Foote would also command instant respect within the locker room. He played 14 seasons in the league as a former fourth-round selection, gaining 818 tackles and 25 sacks for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Arizona Cardinals, and Detroit Lions throughout a glittering career, which holds a lot of weight.

There is more frequency of ex-players rapidly emerging through the coaching ranks. Some like Dan Campbell and DeMeco Ryans are also thriving in top positions, so it's something worth considering if those in power deem Jack Del Rio surplus to requirements as expected.

It'll be interesting to see how the Commanders approach this situation. The timing must be right on all fronts if landmark changes arrive, but people behind the scenes should already be coming up with shortlists if things don't start trending upward over Washington's final seven games.

A new head coach would want to implement his staff. But the Commanders could make some suggestions to speed up the process during what's sure to be one of the most eventful offseasons in franchise history.