Commanders news: Ben Johnson, Martin Mayhew, Terry McLaurin and taking stock
By Dean Jones
Which Washington Commanders news stories are hitting the headlines as the wait for confirmation of a new head coach continues?
The Washington Commanders are the only team left in the head coaching cycle after the Seattle Seahawks struck with conviction to secure the services of Mike Macdonald. There is a growing sense of frustration among the fanbase, but Josh Harris' brain trust can officially take its time and potentially examine other possibilities with no competition from elsewhere.
This has been a thorough process. On the flip side, time is of the essence with pre-draft assessment events underway and the supporters becoming increasingly restless. While we wait for further developments, the stories causing debate include Martin Mayhew's future, Terry McLaurin's 2023 contribution receiving praise, Ben Johnson being blasted for snubbing head coaching chances, and taking stock of the current landscape.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Martin Mayhew's future with Commanders
As attention remains on the new head coach - whoever that will be - an interesting piece of news was dropped by John Keim of ESPN. This centered on the future of Martin Mayhew, who is expected to remain with the Washington Commanders as part of their front office structure under general manager Adam Peters.
This shouldn't come as a surprise, to be honest. Peters and Mayhew have a previous working relationship from their time together on the San Francisco 49ers. It should allow the new man in charge to transition smoothly with someone he trusts. While his time as general manager didn't exactly go well, it's also worth remembering that head coach Ron Rivera had the final say on personnel.
Allowing him to return to a primarily scouting and evaluation position has its merits. Mayhew is already at the 2024 Reese's Senior Bowl to oversee practices. Peters is also expected to attend, although the ongoing coaching search is complicating matters.