Who could the Washington Commanders potentially target if Josh Harris' ownership group decides to move on from head coach Ron Rivera?
After suffering their second embarrassing loss in three weeks, Ron Rivera's seat has gone from hot to sweltering in the blink of an eye. Many fans have seen enough to warrant a change and based on defensive tackle Jonathan Allen's post-game comments, these frustrations are also finding their way into the locker room.
Rivera remains defiant in the face of significant adversity and won't be going down without a fight. But the same problems continue to rear their head, which is an indictment on preparation and coaching more than anything else.
Josh Harris' ownership group has a big decision to make in the near future. If the same trend continues in the coming weeks, then the chances of parting ways with Rivera are high after four years of minimal success.
On this topic, here are nine potential head coaching candidates the Washington Commanders could hire if they do end up going in a different direction.
Commanders could promote Eric Bieniemy
If the Washington Commanders end up canning Ron Rivera in-season, then Eric Bieniemy would likely be installed as the interim head coach. But there's also a good chance Josh Harris' ownership group will give him an interview if they wait until competitive games conclude.
Bieniemy's high-profile switch from the Kansas City Chiefs this offseason was done to take that next step and prove beyond all doubt he has what it takes to thrive in the top job. While it's been a mixed bag offensively, his leadership is undoubtedly positive and something that's commanded respect after some within the locker room were taken aback by his early demands.
One stumbling block is the need for a complete reset. If the Commanders do fire Rivera at some stage, completely starting afresh represents the best course of action - something that might leave Bieniemy on the outside looking in once again.
Commanders could hire Ejiro Evero
While the current trend around the league is hiring bright young offensive minds, one cannot dismiss some strong defensive candidates as part of the process. Ron Rivera's background in this discipline hasn't really done him any favors over the last four years, which stems from handing coordinator Jack Del Rio a little too much leeway amid significant struggles.
The Washington Commanders would probably explore every avenue if they did decide on shaking things up. One of the hottest defensive minds around is Ejiro Evero, who remains a highly respected figure despite things not going according to plan for the Carolina Panthers in 2023.
Evero's defense has been decimated by injuries. And yet, there are moments when they look like a highly productive outfit under his leadership.
Another thing that enhances Evero's credentials is his ability to motivate and nurture. He is a player's coach while also being firm, which is exactly the sort of balance needed for the modern-day star all things considered.
This would be a risky move and not in keeping with the current trend. Therefore, Evero would need a concise plan for coaching infrastructure offensively in pursuit of taking over from Rivers in this scenario.
Evero is one of the few whose reputation hasn't been dented by Carolina's failings this season. He's definitely one for the Commanders' shortlist.
Commanders could hire Frank Smith
The Miami Dolphins offense has taken the NFL by storm this season. Ron Rivera and the Washington Commanders will need a plan to counteract this supreme threat later in the campaign during a daunting gauntlet that could seal the head coach's fate, which is becoming likelier with every passing defeat.
While most of the credit goes to Mike McDaniel, the influence of offensive coordinator Frank Smith cannot be overlooked, either. His knowledge, innovative concepts, and ability to put his players in the best possible positions to execute are all traits teams search for in the hope of replicating similar success for their franchise.
Smith is a progressive thinker - one only has to look at how players and coaches who've worked with him speak so glowingly to see the sort of impact he makes. Miami's juggernaut offense will see attention come his way, although they'll likely fight hard in an attempt to keep him around.
Most of the league missed a significant opportunity to hire McDaniel from the San Francisco 49ers. They won't want to make the same mistake again with someone like Smith, so he can expect interview requests to pour in during the upcoming 2024 head coaching cycle.
The Commanders are crying out for inspiration on offense more often than not. While Eric Bieniemy's done an admirable job, it's hard to look at the Dolphins' explosiveness and dynamic approach and not think Smith's concepts wouldn't be a massive upgrade.
Commanders could hire Ben Johnson
Aside from the thumping they received at the Baltimore Ravens in Week 7, it's been a memorable campaign for the Detroit Lions so far. Something that will once again reignite interest in offensive coordinator Ben Johnson during the next head coaching cycle.
Johnson was a hot commodity after the 2022 campaign. After a few interviews, the progressive play-caller opted to stay in Detroit and see out another season under Dan Campbell when it seemed as if the smart money was pointing towards a well-deserved promotion.
While Johnson's loyalty should be commended, the chance to join the Washington Commanders under exciting new ownership and attempt to awaken a sleeping giant would be tough to turn down. That goes for anybody, in all honesty.
Josh Harris' ownership group was right to stand pat with Ron Rivera entering the season. Their sale was confirmed late in the preparation period, so sitting back and assessing represented the best course of action.
Now, it's clear that something's missing. Johnson would completely galvanize the organization and provide an offensive spark that's been sorely lacking throughout Rivera's tenure.
The Commanders wouldn't be alone in their quest to tempt Johnson away from the Lions if there was legitimate interest in this scenario. One would expect the play-caller to be high on the list of most teams who opt for change, so convincing the respected coach this is the place for him is the biggest challenge.
Commanders could hire Brian Johnson
As previously stated, the Washington Commanders might look at an offensive-minded head coach this time around. Getting an experienced figure like Ron Rivera into the building after he was fired by the Carolina Panthers gave the football side of things stability at an important time, but everything runs its course and it looks like the game might be passing the head coach by looking at how things are unfolding in 2023.
This would be a dark-horse candidate given his lack of experience, but Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Brian Johnson is another name to consider. It's taken time for the figure to adjust after previous offensive coordinator Shane Steichen left for the Indianapolis Colts, but things are starting to come together for an offense that looks like it could go on a deep postseason run once again.
Johnson is also a respected quarterback guru and deserves endless credit for Jalen Hurts' meteoric rise to superstardom. This might intrigue the Commanders given it would also weaken an NFC East rival in their long-awaited quest to enter postseason consideration themselves.
In truth, this might be a year too early for Johnson. But the Commanders are going to go bold with their next hire if Magic Johnson has anything to say about it, so it would be a surprise if they didn't at least examine his credentials a little closer and see how the coach might fit in Washington.
Commanders could hire Thomas Brown
The Carolina Panthers spared no expense when it came to forming a formidable coaching staff under Frank Reich during the offseason. However, it's been a complete disaster up to now and led to one major alteration at the bye week.
Reich confirmed last week that he'd handed off play-calling responsibilities to offensive coordinator Thomas Brown. This was universally well-received by the fanbase thanks to the coach's growing reputation as a future man at the helm.
Brown came through the coaching ranks at Georgia before becoming a trusted ally of Sean McVay's with the Los Angeles Rams. His previous experience working with tight ends provided a broader knowledge of offensive concepts and his leadership is something that's always gone down a storm among players.
If Brown capitalizes on this opportunity and gets Carolina's offense trending in the right direction under the guidance of rookie quarterback Bryce Young, it would be wise for the Washington Commanders to invite him in for an interview, That is, of course, if they thank Ron Rivera for his services and pay off the final year of his contract.
It's only a matter of time before Brown becomes a head coach. Interest would only grow if he thrives with newfound responsibilities over the Panthers' remaining 11 games, even if this might not be the flashiest hire when it's all said and done.
Commanders could hire Press Taylor
If the Washington Commanders genuinely believe a bright offensive mind can get this franchise back to the NFL's top table, then examining Press Taylor's credentials closely could be worth its weight in gold. A product of the Philadelphia Eagles coaching tree that's seen many thrive in top jobs, he's currently spearheading the Jacksonville Jaguars offense to heights the franchise has seldom seen before.
Of course, Doug Pederson deserves praise since his introduction as head coach. But ignoring Taylor's contribution to mold everything around star quarterback Trevor Lawrence would be foolish.
The brother of Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor arrived at the Jaguars in 2022 as a trusted figure in Pederson's planning. This immediately started to bear fruit, with Jacksonville modernizing their offense to an extent that saw them reach the postseason in Year 1 of their coaching changes.
That looks like it's going to be the case once again this season. Taylor might not be the most high-profile candidate right now, but he's on the right trajectory to getting a head coaching gig somewhere down the line.
What the Commanders need to figure out is whether Taylor is ready to take on a challenge of this magnitude. One must also consider the prospect of a new general manager voicing his opinions to new ownership if Martin Mayhew is also let go in this scenario.
Commanders could hire Todd Monken
This is going to take some forward-thinking on the Washington Commanders' part if they opt to start fresh without Ron Rivera in 2024. It's a little out of left field, but Todd Monken's current career trajectory looks well on course to end with a head coaching gig in the not-too-distant future.
Monken's been around the coaching game for most of his life. His passing concepts with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers came in for significant praise before moving to the college ranks, helping the Georgia Bulldogs secure back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022.
That was enough for the Baltimore Ravens to come calling and make Monken their new offensive coordinator. The results have been instant, with a dynamic scheme devised around the strengths of stud quarterback Lamar Jackson making the AFC North team among the league's most dangerous.
Monken might be older than some of the aforementioned candidates. However, few would argue he isn't deserving of such an opportunity. Whether that comes in 2024 or further down the road is debatable, but if the Ravens' offense continues its current spell of dominance throughout the campaign, there should be a ton of interest in his services.
Simply put, there are far worse avenues the Commanders could go down. Monken has the innovative ideas and the coaching experience to back them up, making him an enticing proposition for any franchise looking for inspiration.
Commanders could hire Steve Wilks
Replacing Ron Rivera with one of his former coaches would be something. However, there is a lot to like about the credentials Steve Wilks brings to the table.
Wilks came of age under Rivera during a glittering spell with the Carolina Panthers. This resulted in the respected figure getting the Arizona Cardinals head coaching position, which didn't go according to plan in difficult circumstances.
Many believe Wilks was hard done by in Arizona. He ended up back in Carolina as defensive backs coach and once Matt Rhule was fired, became the team's interim head coach in 2022.
When all hope seemed lost, Wilks galvanized a franchise on its knees. The Panthers almost made the playoffs before faltering late, but this was not enough to convince owner David Tepper he was worthy of the job long-term.
It all worked out well for Wilks, who is thriving as the San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator. He is a supreme leader of men revered around the league and based on his efforts in Carolina, could install a sense of pride that's rapidly diminishing.
Given Wilks' defensive background, he'd need a plan for the offensive side of things before the Commanders went down this route. He'll get interviews during the next cycle that's for sure, but it would be a shock if Washington didn't attempt to land an offensive coach once Rivera's era comes to an end.