Ranking the confirmed shortlisted candidates in contention to replace Ron Rivera as Washington Commanders head coach in 2024.
The Washington Commanders wasted no time in putting their plans for the future in motion once the regular season came to an end with another disappointing loss. An expected hard reset was confirmed by Josh Harris, who's hired a special brain trust tasked with getting this once-proud organization among the NFL contenders once again.
Front office positions will be filled first with interviews already taking place. Once they are officially confirmed, attention will turn to picking the right head coach. Someone capable of turning their ambitious vision into reality.
Seven names have been revealed as interview requests so far. There could be more, with the likes of Jim Harbaugh, Bill Belichick, and perhaps even recently fired Mike Vrabel under Washington's microscope.
It's a fascinating time for fans. Based on the information at hand, we decided to rank the seven shortlisted candidates to date in terms of preference.
7. Commanders could hire Aaron Glenn
- Defensive Coordinator | Detroit Lions
Aaron Glenn was among the first names tabbed as a potential option by the Washington Commanders. He's an experienced leader of men. He's played a significant role in the Detroit Lions' recent rise to prominence under Dan Campbell. Whether it's enough to take on such a substantial project in a big market remains to be seen.
Glenn is widely respected around the league as an exceptional strategist and motivator. It takes much more to be an NFL head coach, but taking a closer examination of his characteristics and ethos isn't a bad move by the Commanders all things considered.
In truth, there are better options available. After hiring a defensive guru last time around in Ron Rivera, the Commanders might opt for something different heading into their new era.
6. Commanders could hire Dan Quinn
- Defensive Coordinator | Dallas Cowboys
Dan Quinn will be higher on most lists, and that's fine. He's a respected coach. He's a sound defensive mind leading one of the league's hottest units currently. He has previous head coaching experience with some success.
I've just got my doubts about whether he's the guy right now for the Washington Commanders.
This would indicate a retread of sorts if the Commanders went in this direction. Quinn did reach a Super Bowl with the Atlanta Falcons and looked on course for a ring before they collapsed from 28-3 ahead against the New England Patriots. After that, it was a gradual downward spiral that eventually concluded with his firing.
In fairness to Quinn, he's bounced back well from this significant setback. The Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator brought the best out of the gifted performers at his disposal. It's no surprise that head coaching interview requests are flying to his door. Hiring him would also weaken a divisional rival, so the benefits are there for all to see.
Josh Harris is right to do his due diligence and see what Quinn's vision for the coaching side of things would become if he got the job. There's just something in the back of my mind that suggests it would be a complete disaster.
Call it a hunch. Call it looking at his downfall in Atlanta rather than the positives. But I have a hard time with Quinn spearheading the Commanders into their exciting new era.
5. Commanders could hire Raheem Morris
- Defensive Coordinator | Los Angeles Rams
Much has been made of the coaching tree under Mike Shanahan and where they are now. The graphic that never dies comes up constantly. Kyle Shanahan, Sean McVay, Mike McDaniel, Bobby Slowik, and Matt LaFleur all feature prominently. One name always gets overlooked.
It's also worth remembering that Raheem Morris was part of Shanahan's staff after his time as Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach didn't go according to plan. It's been a long road back to getting head coaching consideration once again. This is a testament to his dedication and unrivaled desire to maximize every opportunity.
The graphic keeps on growing. There will be others. Shanny should be in the HOF. pic.twitter.com/wfCwOWYYlc
— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) January 7, 2024
Morris has multiple interview requests during the current cycle, including the Washington Commanders. This is thanks in no small part to his sterling work as Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator under McVay, who was already aware of the coach's capabilities from their time together in DC.
Why is Morris - another retread - higher than Dan Quinn on this list? He has the same extensive defensive experience. He has a connection to the franchise, so he'll know what makes the fanbase tick. He also boasts more in the way of offensive know-how having worked as a pass game coordinator with the Atlanta Falcons in recent years.
This is a well-rounded coach worthy of consideration. It's been more than a decade since Morris held a top job in the NFL if you don't count his interim head coaching role with the Falcons after they fired Quinn. That might work against him when push comes to shove.
4. Commanders could hire Anthony Weaver
- Associate HC/DL coach | Baltimore Ravens
Honestly, I wanted to put Anthony Weaver higher on this list. Of all the confirmed targets sought out by the Washington Commanders, this could be the one legitimate wildcard.
Weaver is an up-and-comer in the coaching ranks. He's got no coordinator experience to speak of, but he's been an instrumental piece of the puzzle where the Baltimore Ravens' game-planning is concerned this season as John Harbaugh's men wrapped up the AFC's No. 1 overall seed.
The associate head coach/defensive line coach has experience as a player. He was a former second-round pick. That carries a lot of weight within the locker room. His coaching methods are respected and his leadership has come in for significant praise from those within the Ravens throughout the campaign.
More than a few eyebrows would be raised if the Commanders went in this direction. Josh Harris is reportedly looking to make a bigger splash - perhaps with someone more accomplished on the offensive side of things - but Weaver's name being on this list alone is a testament to the esteem in which he is held.
Harris has made no secret about his alluring glances towards Baltimore's model for success. Hiring Weaver might be unlikely, but it might also be a masterstroke if he impresses enough during the interview process.
3. Commanders could hire Bobby Slowik
- Offensive Coordinator | Houston Texans
Here's where it gets interesting.
We've already spoken briefly about Bobby Slowik now finding himself on the infamous Mike Shanahan coaching tree graphic. This is down to an unbelievable first season as Houston Texans offense coordinator. He's galvanized a failing unit to heights not seen for years. Something that played a leading role in DeMeco Ryans' squad going from also-rans to AFC South champions in one season.
This miraculous turnaround isn't going unnoticed by other NFL teams. Slowik is a hot name on the head coaching cycle. His previous connection to the Washington Commanders made it almost inevitable Josh Harris' brain trust would be putting in a request.
Perhaps the most impressive element of Slowik's contribution this season has been the immediate elevation of rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud. The No. 2 pick has immense talent and came into the organization with a chip on his shoulder after being unfairly criticized during the pre-draft evaluation process. Under the play-caller's guidance, he's attaining historic heights for first-year players at the position.
Considering Slowik doesn't have the benefit of a strong running game, it's all the more impressive. The blocking concepts are outstanding. The schematic creativity is top-notch. There is trust in his playmakers and young signal-caller to deliver the goods.
The Commanders could do far worse than look in Slowik's direction. What those in power need to determine is whether this is too much, or too soon for the progressive coach.
2. Commanders could hire Mike Macdonald
- Defensive Coordinator | Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are arguably the best team in football right now. They are the AFC's No. 1 seed. They have a potential NFL MVP in quarterback Lamar Jackson. They also boast an exceptional defensive unit led by an up-and-coming coordinator gaining significant head coaching traction at the right time.
Tabbed by many as a sleeper candidate just a few weeks ago, Mike Macdonald is anything but these days. He's masterminded the downfall of some of the league's most prolific offenses. His transition from Michigan to the NFL has gone seamlessly to enhance his already blossoming reputation.
Macdonald will be high on the Washington Commanders' list of options. He's immersed in modern-day concepts. He knows how to get the best out of his players. His track record is growing and trending upward with every passing year.
Much like the situation with Bobby Slowik, the Commanders need to figure out if Macdonald is ready now to take on such a huge project. Learning from Jim and John Harbaugh in recent years has no doubt laid the foundations for his head coaching future. In this scenario, he'd need to find the right offensive coordinator and allow him the freedom to run the unit.
If Josh Harris is intent on following the Ravens' model for sustainable success, then Macdonald might be the guy.
1. Commanders could hire Ben Johnson
- Offensive Coordinator | Detroit Lions
It comes as no surprise to see Ben Johnson among the hottest names of this head coaching cycle. The Detroit Lions offensive coordinator has come in for supreme praise once again this season they clinched the NFC North for the first time in franchise history. After spurning the advances of others during the previous cycle, this looks like the year where the progressive play-caller takes the plunge.
The Washington Commanders identified Johnson as one of their shortlisted candidates early. They were the first team to put in an interview request for his services. Josh Harris has also set things up perfectly for this job to be an attractive one to their preferred targets.
What Johnson's done with Detroit's offense is extraordinary. His ability to get inexperienced players to contribute significantly and almost immediately is remarkable. The Lions' blocking schemes across the offensive line are staggeringly good. His play-calling in crucial moments is another reason why he's such a hot commodity.
Johnson's ability to get Jared Goff's career back on track cannot be overlooked. The former No. 1 pick looked down and out after his trade from the Los Angeles Rams. Instead, the offensive coordinator turned him into one of the league's most efficient passers.
Considering the Commanders are going to be looking for a new signal-caller - perhaps with the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft - Johnson is the perfect man to lead this exciting era of change. The Carolina Panthers are expected to throw everything they have in pursuit of landing the play-caller, but Washington has some unique selling points of its own following a change in ownership.