The Washington Commanders, owned by Josh Harris, have made a bold move to revamp their football leadership. On Monday morning, the team announced the dismissal of head coach Ron Rivera, marking the first step in a sweeping overhaul of the franchise’s football operations. While Rivera was credited with hiring the team’s front office and had the final say in all football decisions, the Commanders were unable to produce a winning record during his tenure. With multiple shake-ups in mind, Harris has brought in two prominent executives, Bob Myers and Rick Spielman, to assist in the search for a new head of football operations and head coach.
Bob Myers, the former general manager of the Golden State Warriors, and Rick Spielman, the former general manager of the Minnesota Vikings, have joined the Commanders’ ownership group as they embark on this transformative journey. Myers, known for his role in building four NBA championship teams, will play a lead role in identifying and coordinating interviews with candidates for the top football operations and head-coaching positions. Spielman, with his 30 years of NFL front office experience, will work closely with Myers in this endeavor.
The Commanders’ job openings come with enticing prospects. The team holds the No. 2 pick in the upcoming 2024 quarterback-rich draft, and they have projected salary cap space that ranks among the highest in the NFL. These factors, combined with the opportunity to shape a new leadership structure, make the Commanders an attractive destination for potential candidates. The ownership group, led by Harris and his long-standing relationship with Myers, believes that Myers’ championship pedigree and vast industry connections will be instrumental in building a successful team.
While Myers and Spielman take the lead in the search process, Harris maintains a close involvement in the decisions. The Commanders’ current front office, including GM Martin Mayhew and executive VP of football/player personnel Marty Hurney, will remain on staff throughout the search. However, their long-term futures with the team will be determined by the new head of football operations and head coach.
Josh Harris recognizes the importance of this offseason for the Commanders. With their sights set on building a winning culture from top to bottom, Harris is determined to do the necessary work to restore the team’s success. He expresses his confidence in Myers’ ability to construct championship infrastructure, citing his experience in building successful teams in Golden State. Harris believes that Myers’ innovative mindset and extensive industry knowledge will be a valuable addition to the Commanders’ new leadership structure.
Bob Myers, who stepped down as the GM of the Warriors in June, boasts an impressive track record with four championships during his eight-year tenure. His role in bringing Kevin Durant to the Warriors in 2016 played a significant part in the team’s success. Myers’ championship-oriented mindset and commitment to building a strong ownership group align perfectly with Harris’ vision for the Commanders.
Rick Spielman, whose nine-year tenure as the Vikings’ GM recently ended, brings with him three decades of NFL front office experience. His wealth of knowledge and expertise will be invaluable in the Commanders’ search for new leadership.
As the Commanders embark on this journey of transformation, the franchise and its ownership group hope to establish a strong organizational infrastructure led by talented and innovative individuals. The hiring of Myers and Spielman is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting chapter for the Commanders, as they strive to become an elite franchise and consistently compete for the Super Bowl.