Which Washington Commaders news stories are hitting the headlines as the team finally made some coaching changes following their loss to the Dallas Cowboys?
After such a humiliating defeat with the national NFL audience watching on Thanksgiving Day against the Dallas Cowboys, something had to be done. And finally, at long last, head coach Ron Rivera put his loyalty to one side and pulled the trigger on two staffing changes.
This could be just the start of things to come unless things don't improve. While we wait for further developments, the stories causing conversation include Josh Harris' desire, Ron Rivera seeing out the season, Jack Del Rio being sacrificed, and the intent to do things differently over Washington's remaining five games.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Commanders fire Jack Del Rio
It was another game where the Washington Commanders' defense gave up too many big plays at the Dallas Cowboys, it seemed almost inevitable that someone would pay the price with their job. Despite Ron Rivera's previous reluctance, he eventually conceded by firing defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio and defensive backs coach Brent Vieselmeyer.
When discussing the moves, Rivera stated via Clutch Points that this wasn't an indictment on either coach. Instead, it's more a case of wanting to see growth after Washington's once-vaunted defense turned out to be anything but this season.
"Those guys worked their asses off. For whatever reason, it wasn't coming together."Ron Rivera via Clutch Points
Rivera will now assume play-calling responsibilities on defense. One last throw of the dice from a head coach who could also be facing the chop once the 2023 campaign concludes.
Commanders will do things differently
Ron Rivera came out and faced the music after firing two prominent defensive staff members, including coordinator Jack Del Rio. It was a difficult decision for the normally loyal head coach, but there aren't many scapegoats left with his own job prospects hanging in the balance.
The Washington Commanders are one defeat away from their fourth-straight losing season under Rivera. When asked about the plan of attack moving forward, the head coach stated via SB Nation things are going to be done differently over the next five games in the hope their concerning plight can turn around.
"We’re going to be moving forward, going to do things a little differently. It was very tough, difficult decisions because those are two really good men, good football coaches, guys that have had a lot of success in this league. And just unfortunate the situation, circumstances, but did feel that change was something that we needed to do going forward. Well, more so anything else is, it’s one of those things that as you watch things happen and unfold, it was kind of that snowball, it just kind of started again. It just kept going and I was concerned and spent a lot of time last night and early this morning trying to go through this in my mind and just trying to figure out what else can be done, and it just seemed that shaking some things up made sense."Ron Rivera via SB Nation
While a change in defensive play-caller could help, it doesn't change the fact this roster isn't stacked with quality. Even the most consistent players over recent years have regressed considerably, leaving morale at an all-time low.
Unless something drastically alters, it won't just be coaches on the chopping block.
Ron Rivera to see out Commanders season?
Firing defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio is another indicator that the pressure is on for head coach Ron Rivera. Many see the respected figure as a lame duck, which isn't surprising as Josh Harris' ownership group gets set to implement landmark changes in pursuit of getting the Washington Commanders back to the NFL's top table under their leadership.
All this move does is buy more time, one suspects. How much longer remains to be seen, but Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk stated via sources that Harris is willing to let Rivera see out the season unless things spiral completely out of control.
"Per a source with knowledge of the situation, the current sense within the organization is that new ownership believes [Ron] Rivera has done enough to deserve a chance to finish the season and receive a full evaluation. In situations like this, however, everything is subject to change. An embarrassing loss to the Dolphins at home next Sunday might accelerate the evaluation process — especially with a bye the following week. It feels as if major changes are coming for the Commanders in 2024. Whether the blatantly obvious tweet from Magic Johnson announcing the move comes between now and the end of the regular season or just after it ends feels like a technicality at this point."Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk
This approach is in keeping with Harris' normally patient methods when it comes to running sports franchises. The problem centers around the lack of effort and confidence from the large majority of players right now.
Once that happens, there's no coming back. And Rivera will be the one to pay.
Commanders owner Josh Harris' desire
Josh Harris is getting a crash course in NFL ownership this season. The Washington Commanders are underachieving on the field once again, which stems from a lack of ideas on the coaching front and players not living up to their lofty offseason billing.
This might not be how Harris wanted to begin his tenure, but the majority ownership partner reassured fans that better times are ahead via a statement on Washington's website. And make no mistake, the billionaire's mission and desire to turn the Commanders into a perennial contender hasn't altered whatsoever.
"I feel exactly how our fans feel today: disappointed and frustrated. It's how our players and staff feel as well. I knew our first season of ownership would include challenges along the way, and we will not shy away from hard work, nor will we be deterred by adversity. As Coach Rivera and I discussed, all of our energy for the remainder of the season will be focused on playing better, more consistent football and developing our players while intently evaluating the areas in which we need to improve this offseason. Our fans deserve a team that can compete with the NFL's best and win sustainably over the long-term. I will not waver from that mission. Thank you to our fans for the ways in which you've breathed new life into our franchise. We have not been good enough this season, but our resolve for the future is unbroken."Josh Harris via Commanders.com
It was never going to happen overnight. Harris' ownership group inherited an absolute mess from Dan Snyder, but the wheels of change are firmly in motion.
Buckle up, this offseason is going to be a dramatic one.