Which Washington Commanders news stories are hitting the headlines as excitement continues to build ahead of the organization's upcoming hires?
It's a frantic time around the NFL right now. The Washington Commanders took a beat seat in terms of headlines during a monumental Wednesday. Pete Carroll's time with the Seattle Seahawks shockingly came to an end. This was followed by another bombshell when Nick Saban informed his young team that he was retiring from a glittering spell with the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Our focus is on the Commanders, of course. With this in mind, the stories causing debate include Emmanuel Forbes' stance, Washington set to take swift action during the hiring cycle, a perennial All-Pro bangs the table for Eric Bieniemy to become head coach, and Bob Myers' potential influence on the team's strategy moving forward.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Commanders CB Emmanuel Forbes' stance
Aside from the upcoming hires, all eyes are centered on what the Washington Commanders might do from No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. Sam Howell didn't do enough to earn another year under center. The circumstances weren't exactly ideal. But the new regime will likely examine the possibility of bringing in a potential franchise option under center from the college ranks.
Regardless of what the Chicago Bears decide from atop the draft, the Commanders are guaranteed to have a shot at either Drake Maye or Caleb Williams. That's not a bad spot to be in. Both look like difference-makers with unique skill sets, although nothing is off the table right now.
Williams is the hometown hero and a bigger story. He also wears No. 13, which cornerback Emmanuel Forbes doesn't plan to give up under any circumstances after clapping back to a fan on social media. A post he later deleted.
Forbes didn't exactly set the world alight during his first year in a professional environment. He's in no position to refuse Williams' request when push comes to shove. Of course, the Commanders have to draft the USC prospect first.
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Travis Kelce bangs the table for Eric Bieniemy
The Washington Commanders have cast their net far and wide in pursuit of finding the right guy to replace recently fired head coach Ron Rivera. These interview requests haven't included Eric Bieniemy as yet. The respected play-caller has also been overlooked by other potential openings around the NFL for good measure.
It was an indifferent year for Bieniemy, who ruffled feathers from the moment he arrived in Washington. He's been spurned multiple times over recent years despite interviewing frequently. It seems as if the same scenario might be unfolding before our eyes.
When discussing the prospect of Bieniemy becoming Commanders head coach, Travis Kelce banged the table hard for his former offensive coordinator based on comments from his New Heights podcast via The Bleacher Report. Something the perennial All-Pro tight end believes is long overdue.
"Man, let's f---king go man. The Washington Fighting Bieniemy's, man. Give my guy a chance, man. … I think they should hire him. I mean, give my guy a chance. I think he proved that he can kind of come out from under the helm of coach [Andy] Reid. … I know EB. He gets the best out of everybody. He's one of the best coaches I've ever had. I think the Commanders should give him a chance."Travis Kelce via The Bleacher Report
This would be a great story and a long time coming. Unfortunately for Bieniemy, the reality is a lot different. When it's all said and done, expect the Commanders to go in a different direction.
Bob Myers' potential Commanders vision
Hiring Bob Myers to assist with the upcoming interview process could be a masterstroke by the Washington Commanders. He's highly regarded in the sporting world. He played a leading role in molding the Golden State Warriors dynasty. He knows how to find the right people who can build a strong culture for sustainable success.
The Washington Commanders have been devoid of that for decades under the previous owner. The team's website gave us a glimpse into Myers' potential vision for the franchise. This centers on finding true leaders who can hold everybody accountable.
"You've got to respect each other. You've got to understand that some days, you don't have it. And your teammates need to pick you up. It's the houseguest that stays too long. Sometimes you just need space. And it's nobody's fault. You need to yell at each other; you have to tell each other how you're feeling. There's acrimony, there's division, there's everything. But as long as you don't break. You have to view it almost as like a family -- that no matter what happens, we're blood, and we're going to see it through. But that's a challenge, because you're really not blood, but you're as close as you can get, 'cause you're with each other all the time."Bob Myers via Commanders.com
Myers and Rick Spielman will be integral in the team's interviews, which are already underway. The Commanders have instantly become one of the more attractive destinations around the league despite increased competition. If the correct appointments are made, this vast rebuild might not take as long as originally anticipated.
Commanders looking for swift action
Josh Harris and his brain trust are in the midst of their first hiring cycle since assuming ownership of the Washington Commanders. Based on their rapid actions once the regular season came to an end, it's something they've been planning for some time.
Harris is currently hosting candidates for the head of football operations position at his Florida home. According to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, the plan is to get someone appointed quickly before focusing on the correct head coach to take the franchise forward. This could also include a few more names added to the list depending on the new hire's thoughts.
"Washington wants to hire the president of football ops first — and quickly — and then that person will determine the coach. I'd expect the list of coaching candidates (currently known to be at 6) to expand."Jonathan Jones via X/Twitter
This sort of decisive action is something the Commanders have been devoid of for two decades. It's a refreshing change of pace to have such an active owner. Certainly better than having someone on a luxury yacht caring very little about the on-field product and overall team infrastructure.
Exciting times are ahead for the Commanders. Harris and his team are leaving no stone unturned. Their ambitious plans are also likely to go down extremely well with any willing suitors looking to hold positions of power.