The Washington Commanders are making moves and noise in their coaching search, and we chronicle it all here!
Mike MacDonald is employed for AN 31 Seahawks. Today, the Seattle Seahawks are hiring a new head coach.
After a protracted hiring process, Mike Macdonald, the defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens, was named head coach by the Seahawks, said Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
The only team without a head coach now is the Washington Commanders.
30 JAN DENNISON REMAINS AMONG THE LIONS Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, informed the team that he would stay in his current position through the 2024 season, hence the Washington Commanders will not be employing him.
The erstwhile front-runner for the Commanders position “spooked” teams with his asking price, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, and he wasn’t the exciting prospect that observers thought he was.
Washington is now focused on Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and Baltimore Ravens coaches Mike Macdonald and Anthony Weaver now that Johnson is off the team’s radar.
EMINEM VS. BEN JOHNSON, JAN 29 Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, looks to be a prominent contender in the Washington Commanders coaching search, which is coming to an end. But one person in particular—possibly the most well-known Lions fan—doesn’t want him to go. That person is Eminem.
In an interview with ePro Team, Eminem threatened to impose penalties on Johnson should he decide to quit the Lions.
“Ben Johnson, if you leave us, diss record is coming,” joked Eminem.
On Tuesday, Johnson is anticipated to have an interview with the Commanders.
Commanders can interview MacDonald on January 28. After three weeks of searching for a new coach, the Washington Commanders finally get the opportunity to speak with one of the best coordinators in the league.
Mike Macdonald, the defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens, watched his team lose 17-10 to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game on Sunday. As a result, the Washington Commanders may now contact him for a second interview.
Since there are now two open coaching positions in the NFL, Macdonald may have a strong chance of landing the Washington position. He electronically met with the Commanders earlier this month, but he can now interview in person.
Commands to “send contingent” to Detroit on January 23 In their ongoing hunt for a new coach, the Washington Commanders want to examine some of the best coordinators in the league up close.
The Commanders will “send a contingent” to meet with Aaron Glenn and Ben Johnson, the coordinators for the Detroit Lions, next week, according to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero.
Johnson and Glenn won’t be able to talk to other teams until after Sunday’s game since they are busy getting the Lions ready for their NFC Championship matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.
22 JAN RIVERA SPEAKING WITH EAGLES Ron Rivera, the former coach of the Washington Commanders, might soon be looking for work.
Rivera is interviewing with the Philadelphia Eagles to be their defensive coordinator, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.
Sean Desai was sacked by the Eagles on Sunday, creating a vacancy. If Rivera signs with the Eagles, he will be returning to Philadelphia. From 1999 until 2003, Rivera served as the team’s linebackers coach.
COMMANDERS INTERVIEW, JAN. 21 ERICK BIENIEMY Is the head coach of the Washington Commanders already inside the building?
The Commanders interviewed Eric Bieniemy, the associate head coach and offensive coordinator, earlier this week, according to Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report. Along with owner Josh Harris and general manager Adam Peters, Schultz said Bieniemy “had an excellent and highly detailed approach.”
The Commanders’ attack had a rough second half of the season after a strong start, and they ended up 25th in terms of points per game (19.4). In his rookie campaign, Sam Howell passed for 3,946 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions while starting for Washington.
Bieniemy was the offensive coordinator and assistant head coach for the Kansas City Chiefs from 2018 to 2022. During that time, he was instrumental in quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ success. During that time, Mahomes won two MVP awards and the Chiefs won two Super Bowls.
COMMANDERS INTERVIEW MORRIS ON JAN 18 The Washington Commanders are expanding their pool of candidates for head coaching position.
Raheem Morris, the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams, is being interviewed by the Commanders, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Morris, 47, was the defensive backs coach in Washington from 2012 to 2014. He was head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2009 to 2011, when he was hired for that position. In 2020, he was the Atlanta Falcons’ temporary head coach as well.
HARBAUGH WINS NATTY ON JAN 8; WILL IT MOVE TO D.C. NEXT? After Michigan’s 34-13 victory over the Washington Huskies in Monday night’s College Football Playoff National Championship, head coach Jim Harbaugh and his team are the talk of the football world.
After the victory, Harbaugh—who has previously been connected to the Commanders—will now consider offers from NFL head coaches.
With any luck, the Commanders will be able to schedule their interview and bring a championship-caliber coach to D.C.
