Which Washington Commanders news stories are hitting the headlines as those in power continue their swift hiring process heading into the offseason?
There seems to be a different turn every minute around the NFL currently. One headline generated more buzz than most on Thursday, but there was plenty to keep Washington Commanders fans interested as Josh Harris' brain trust continues to put their decisive plans into action.
More developments are expected in the coming days - perhaps with new hires attached. While we wait for more news, the stories causing debate include narrowing down the shortlist for Washington's head of football operations, quashing the rumors surrounding Bill Belichick, a potential reunion for Eric Bieniemy, and Sam Howell's appreciation heading into an uncertain offseason.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Commanders narrow down the search
After interviewing numerous candidates for their head of football operations position, the Washington Commanders have narrowed down their search. According to multiple reports, Ian Cunningham and Adam Peters are the chosen duo. They will be brought in for second interviews shortly, which Magic Johnson and others will attend.
The Commanders' second interviews with 49ers assistant GM Adam Peters and Bears GM Ian Cunningham will include limited partners Mitch Rales, Magic Johnson and David Blitzer, per sources.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) January 11, 2024
This quick action is raising a few eyebrows around the NFL. Many expected the Commanders to do things differently without Dan Snyder. Josh Harris' immediate actions represent a significant statement of intent.
Both Cunningham and Peters have spurned advances from elsewhere. This is the job they want. Something that's led to speculation about both potentially being appointed to the head of football operations and general manager positions if both are willing.
Exciting times ahead.
Commanders not targeting Bill Belichick
Bill Belichick's 24 years as New England Patriots supremo is over. After six Super Bowl wins, both parties decided to go their separate ways after another difficult season. Although it was largely anticipated, it was the latest sign that the winds of change are occurring before our eyes across the football landscape.
Attention quickly turned to what came next for Belichick. The Washington Commanders were touted as a potential destination for the legendary figure. According to Jordan Schultz from The Bleacher Report, this isn't something Josh Harris and his hiring committee are considering at this time.
"Despite speculation that the Commanders might hire Bill Belichick, the organization plans to go in a different direction, sources tell Bleacher Report. Led by owner Josh Harris, the team is close to finalizing its new GM - having narrowed down the search to Ian Cunningham and Adam Peters."Jordan Schultz via X/Twitter
This is something those who report on the team closely have been saying for weeks. Belichick is not someone they are considering to lead their exciting new era. Perhaps it also means that a young, progressive figure such as Ben Johnson is their primary target. Considering the speed at which the Commanders are going about their business, it won't be much longer before we find out one way or another.
Commanders QB Sam Howell's confidence
It hasn't taken long for people to start looking at the Washington Commanders differently. They were a perennial laughingstock as Dan Snyder made suspect decisions from his luxury yacht somewhere on the Mediterranean. Having an owner that cares and is willing to act quickly is a refreshing difference.
The primary focus is currently on staffing infrastructure. Those new appointments will then be tasked with making some tough roster choices. This bears more significance at the quarterback position, which has implications on current starter Sam Howell after a rollercoaster first season as Washington's man under center.
Howell knows further alterations on the immediate horizon. However, the signal-caller was also confident Josh Harris and his team would do right by the organization based on comments via Sports Illustrated.
"Obviously change, it can either be a good thing or a bad thing. I think it's going to be good here and I think Mr. Harris and his team are going to do a good job of bringing the right people in here, so I think there's definitely a lot to be excited about."Sam Howell via Sports Illustrated
The Commanders will be bringing in additional competition for Howell, at the very least. Many anticipate they'll take a quarterback with the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. When teams take a signal-caller that high, it normally comes with plans to start them right away.
What that means for Howell's future with the Commanders has yet to be determined.
Potential reunion for Eric Bieniemy?
Eric Bieniemy has yet to receive one interview request for head coaching vacancies around the league. The Washington Commanders haven't yet formally announced their intent with the respected play-caller, although that could change when the new head of football operations becomes official.
Things don't look too promising for Bieniemy to get a top gig right now. It's been an up-and-down first season with the Commanders, which stemmed from a lack of offensive balance and certain players not taking well to his methods.
A lot of things are still up in the air. Criss Partee from Deadspin touted the prospect of Bieneimy returning to the Kansas City Chiefs if they get bounced early in the postseason. They've regressed offensively without him, so a reunion might be on the cards if Andy Reid's men cannot overcome the Miami Dolphins this weekend.
"Regardless of his quirks, [Eric] Bieniemy feels like a Chief. They had such a great run over a five- or six-year span that it only feels right that Bieniemy ended up back in Kansas City after a lackluster stint in the nation’s capital. If the Commanders offer him the head coaching position, of course he’s got to take it, but that doesn’t seem like it’ll be the case. The way it stacks up this year is, if it’s not in Washington, Bieniemy will probably be passed over once again. Couple that with how the Chiefs have looked offensively (can’t blame everything on Taylor Swift) and even if he never calls plays, there’s just something that works with Bieniemy and KC. If the Chiefs suffer an early out in the playoffs you can guarantee talk of Bieniemy heading back to KC will begin to heat up."Criss Partee, Deadspin
Bieniemy bet on himself by leaving the Super Bowl champions in favor of the Commanders. It looks like he lost in pursuit of becoming an NFL head coach. But another job shouldn't be long in the offing if Washington makes him surplus to requirements.