Could the Commanders appoint Warren Sapp to their coaching staff in 2023?

Could the Washington Commanders hire former defensive tackle Warren Sapp to their coaching staff after another appearance at mandatory minicamp?

There are so many different dynamics to monitor throughout the Washington Commanders' mandatory minicamp, it's hard to keep up at times. Players are coming to the fore in pursuit of roster spots, established stars are aiming to set the tone, and new coaches are expecting higher standards than those who came before in the quest for a successful 2023 campaign.

Head coach Ron Rivera is seemingly pleased with the way things are unfolding so far. Having Chase Young back on the practice field has given everyone a major lift and Sam Howell seems to be settling down to his newfound responsibilities as the team's projected starting quarterback for good measure.

One factor that didn't go unnoticed by those in attendance earlier this week was the presence of Warren Sapp at the facility. The Pro Football Hall of Famer worked with the defensive line, offered advice, and motivated them during drills in his usual boisterous fashion.

It would be a surprise if Sapp's opinion didn't carry much more weight than most. He is enshrined in Canton and widely regarded as one of the best interior defensive linemen of all time, so whatever assistance the former first-round selection can provide is obviously welcome.

Commanders should offer Warren Sapp a coaching position

This is the second time in as many years that Sapp has attended Washington's practice despite never turning out for the team during a glittering playing career. He has close connections to some of the coaches on Rivera's staff from their time together on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but could the ferocious figure be interested in making a permanent switch to the Commanders' coaching roster at some stage?

The benefits are obvious and Sapp would command immediate respect within the locker room, such is the esteem in which he is held around the NFL. However, according to Matthew Paras from The Washington Times during his recent appearance on the RedZone in the Lab podcast, it's a long shot at best.

"He [Warren Sapp] popped in last year and is really good friends with some of the staff here. We talked about the possibility of coaching full-time last year and he seemed to suggest it was not something he thought wasn't in his future. But it's a welcome voice to have around. It adds something a little different and definitely breaks up the mundane for players."

- Matthew Paras via RedZone in the Lab

The beat writer makes a good point about breaking up the mundane. Players can get tired of hearing the same old stuff from the same coaches, so having a different set of eyes examining their credentials and providing additional guidance is always going to help.

It wouldn't hurt for the Commanders to find out for sure whether Sapp would be interested in a coaching position. But this wouldn't exactly be the most stable post considering the landmark changes that could arrive once Josh Harris' ownership group gets their $6.05 billion purchase of the franchise approved by the league.

No doubt Sapp's words will be something for Washington's defensive linemen to take on board. And who knows, it could make a big difference in their quest to become the NFL's most dominant unit when the 2023 campaign arrives.