Who will be Washington Commanders Next Coach After Rivera? After Sacked Notice
Sometimes, the answer to your problems is closer than you think. In this case, for Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris, the answer to his potential problem at head coach could be right along the Beltway. It’s clear that Ron Rivera’s days as the Commanders (4-11) head coach are numbered. New owners typically want to bring in their people to lead the organization, and Washington having its worst season with Rivera at the helm will likely be the final nail in his coffin. Reports have already circulated that Harris will move on from Rivera at the end of the season.
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While it’s unknown which direction Harris will head, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer noted the Commanders’ owner’s infatuation with the Baltimore Ravens. “We’re all learning on the fly about Commanders owner Josh Harris, who was accompanied by one of his limited partners, Mitchell Rales, at this week’s league meetings in Dallas,” Breer writes. “And one thing I learned down in Texas over the last few days could at least color how the next couple of months go with the new owners and their team – Harris likes how the Commanders’ beltway rivals from Baltimore do business.” If Harris wants to model the Commanders after the Ravens, hiring their defensive coordinator, Mike Macdonald, would be a pivotal first step in the right direction.
In a world where the top offensive minds are seemingly tabbed for every head coaching opening, Macdonald, 36, has asserted himself as one of the top candidates heading into the offseason. His name has become as hot as it has been after he led another defensive masterclass, as the Ravens’ defense shut down the San Francisco 49ers and has five interceptions in a 33-19 win on Christmas at Levi Stadium.
The 49ers (11-4) averaged 34.5 points per game during their six-game winning streak heading into the Monday Night Football matchup on Christmas. The Ravens’ defense has been one of the best in the NFL since Macdonald became the defensive coordinator before last season. This year, Baltimore has allowed the fewest points per game (16.3) and led the league in sacks (54). In 2022, Macdonald’s defense allowed the third-fewest points per game (18.5). Breer also noted that Harris could target Ravens Director of Player Personnel Joe Hortiz and Vice President of Football Administration Nick Matteo as potential candidates to become the Commanders’ next general manager if the Commanders fire Martin Mayhew.
“Maybe this means Harris tabs a Baltimore exec like Joe Hortiz or Nick Matteo to be his next GM, or a top Raven assistant like Mike Macdonald to be his head coach,” Breer writes. “Maybe it doesn’t. But at the very least, it brings a little insight into how he’s building and what he’ll be modeling after going forward.”
Washington won’t be the only team interested in Macdonald if it’s looking for a new head coach after this season. But if Harris is committed to rebuilding the organization similarly to the Ravens and hires Hortiz or Matteo as the general manager, that could be enough to sway Macdonald’s decision if he’s interested in becoming a head coach. And given Macdonald’s success in Baltimore, Harris should be doing whatever it takes to land him as the Commanders’ next head coach.
