9 dark horse candidates for the Commanders next head coach in 2024

Commanders could hire Wes Phillips

• Offensive Coordinator | Minnesota Vikings

I would rank Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson first on any list of new coaches. And unlike some fans, I am not ruling out Eric Bieniemy until I see how the entire season plays out. After them, Wes Phillips is my top guy.

You want pedigree? He served as tight ends coach under Jay Gruden for the now-Washington Commanders. This means he coached Jordan Reed and Vernon Davis, arguably the most productive position on the team at that particular time.

Sean McVay brought him in to run his passing game with the Los Angeles Rams. Then, Kevin O’Connell hired him to run his offense when he became the Minnesota Vikings head coach.

During his first season, the Vikings were a top-seven offense in points and yards. Do you want more pedigree? His dad is Wade Phillips, and his grandpa is Bum.

He is now 44 years old and has had success everywhere. The only knock on Phillips that I can see is that he couldn’t keep Reed from getting concussed, and now he doesn’t seem to know how to prevent All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson from getting hurt.

But you simply can’t hurt Terry McLaurin, so that shouldn’t be a problem here. If the Commanders do end up starting fresh at the head coaching position - which seems likely unless Ron Rivera leads an epic turnaround - Phillips is a name to watch.