Who could emerge as potential candidates to replace Washington Commanders general manager Martin Mayhew in 2024?
After another embarrassing defeat on home soil against one of the NFL's bottom-feeders and a divisional rival in the New York Giants, big changes are coming. It seems almost inevitable that Josh Harris' ownership group is going to completely reset the staffing infrastructure, with head coach Ron Rivera and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio two figureheads under the microscope.
One person going relatively under the radar is general manager Martin Mayhew. The front office figure is almost an innocent bystander considering Rivera gets the final say on personnel decisions, so it might be worth Harris and his team of wealthy investors going down a more traditional route to success.
This all starts by appointing the general manager and allowing him to pick his next head coach. After that, attention will turn to building a competitive roster with an abundance of draft assets and enough salary-cap space to become an attractive destination if the right hires are made.
With this in mind, here are five potential candidates if the Commanders end up parting ways with Mayhew once the 2023 season concludes.
Commanders could hire Glenn Cook
- Assistant General Manager | Cleveland Browns
While the decision to give up the farm and a record-breaking contract to controversial quarterback Deshaun Watson, the Cleveland Browns have molded a roster capable of competing. Even without the signal-caller, they seem to be getting the job done, which is a testament to the depth at their disposal and cementing almost every position group with supreme efficiency.
Drafting well and spending money wisely - again, aside from the Watson situation - has been a notable hallmark in the Browns' success. This sort of profitable ethos could see someone like Glenn Cook enter the Washington Commanders' train of thought if Martin Mayhew is made surplus to requirements.
Cook is a leading figure behind the scenes in Cleveland. He has drawn interest from the Indianapolis Colts and Minnesota Vikings among others in recent years, so the Commanders should bring him in for an interview at the very least.
Commanders could hire Louis Riddick
There aren't many more shrewd football minds around than Louis Riddick. He is also no stranger to the Washington Commanders having worked as a scout before moving up to become the team's director of pro personnel.
Many were disappointed when Riddick departed for the Philadelphia Eagles. But it was a sign of the turbulence behind the scenes when owner Dan Snyder held absolute power.
Riddick spent five years with the Eagles and hasn't been seen in a front office since 2013 despite multiple interviews. However, he's kept a keen interest in all things football during his role at ESPN, where he continues to thrive.
This would have been a tough sell if Snyder was still around. With the new ownership led by Josh Harris and Magic Johnson's influence also being felt, it's far more tempting.
Of course, Riddick wouldn't be alone in coveting such a high-profile general manager job with exciting new owners in a big market. Washington's gone from a franchise most wouldn't touch to a sleeping giant ready to be awoken, which is exactly the sort of challenge most progressive figures in front-office positions desperately crave.
Riddick is no different. If the Commanders came calling, he'd leave his role at ESPN in the blink of an eye.
Commanders could hire Adam Peters
- Assistant General Manager | San Francisco 49ers
The NFL is a copycat league. Struggling teams are always looking for ways to follow the blueprint of those more successful franchises around the league, which might be something for the Washington Commanders to consider if the right opportunity presents itself.
There aren't many better at roster construction than the San Francisco 49ers. Aside from the trade-up for quarterback Trey Lance that blew up in their face, almost every move made in recent years has been a home run - something that's put Kyle Shanahan's squad among the leading Super Bowl challengers once again in 2023.
Whether the Niners reach the promised land or not, Adam Peters' name is likely to come up in discussions for any team looking for a new general manager. He's got a strong background in college scouting and has no doubt learned a great deal about what it takes to succeed in the top job from John Lynch, who's always got him close by.
This makes a ton of sense. As previously mentioned, people like Peters should now be jumping at the chance awaiting them in Washington with Josh Harris' ownership group leading the charge.
Bringing the Niners' aggressive approach to the Commanders would be a breath of fresh air. There is also enough draft capital and spare financial resources to hit the ground running in this scenario.
Commanders could hire Andy Weidl
- Assistant General Manager | Pittsburgh Steelers
The Washington Commanders should be all too aware of how well the Philadelphia Eagles have constructed their roster in recent years. They are the current NFC conference champions and swept Ron Rivera's men in 2023 following two hard-fought contests that eventually went in their favor.
General manager Howie Roseman is widely regarded as one of the league's top executives. Andy Weidl was another influential figure in the role of vice president of player personnel, earning him a well-deserved promotion to assistant general manager with the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason.
People are always quick to point out coaching trees as a path to greatness. In Weidl's case, what could be better than having someone who's worked closely with Roseman and the legendary Ozzie Newsome during his way up the front office ranks?
This is the sort of progressive, forward-thinker that the Commanders should be looking for. Things have become stagnant with the likes of Martin Mayhew and Marty Hurney, so Weidl is the sort of candidate who would shake things up in no time at all.
Leaving Pittsburgh after one season is a big risk from Weidl's perspective. However, the allure of working with Magic Johnson and Josh Harris as part of their ambitious plans to get Washington back to the NFL's top table would be difficult to turn down.
Commanders could hire Mike Borgonzi
- Assistant General Manager | Kansas City Chiefs
The Washington Commanders have already looked towards the Kansas City Chiefs in pursuit of better fortunes this season. Eric Bieniemy came on board to control the offense, which has been largely positive aside from the odd blip such as last Sunday's dismal performance against the New York Giants.
Kansas City looks more than capable of defending its Super Bowl crown in 2023. Their skill position players are a concern, but this roster looks well-balanced and stronger than most across the board.
This all starts with strong drafting and sound recruitment in free agency. Mike Borgonzi's role perhaps gets overlooked, but he's been a significant part of the Chiefs' rise to prominence, spending 14 years with the organization and two as assistant general manager under Brett Veach.
Having a concise plan, finding gems lower down the draft, and pouncing quickly on trade opportunities when they arise. These are all key traits Borgonzi's experienced with the Chiefs - something that will serve him well once he gets a general manager position somewhere.
The Commanders could do far worse than look in Borgonzi's direction. Someone who could reset the culture and bring a winning mentality back to this once-proud franchise along the way.
Whichever way Josh Harris' ownership group goes, it'll likely be without Martin Mayhew. Starting fresh isn't easy, but it's a small price to pay for a brighter future.