The Washington Commanders are in the market for a new head of football operations and coach, following the dismissal of Ron Rivera.
According to insiders with knowledge of the situation, Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh is among the candidates being considered, after the team expressed interest in speaking with him.
A number of assistant general managers are also part of the discussion, including Philadelphia’s Alec Halaby and Kansas City’s Mike Borgonzi, whilst the Commanders have also been in touch with Baltimore regarding the position of defensive line/assistant head coach Anthony Weaver.
In addition to these potential hires, the Cleveland Browns have granted permission for assistant GM Glenn Cook to speak with the team, whilst the Commanders have requested to talk to San Francisco assistant GM Adam Peters.
Despite not publicly listing potential candidates, controlling owner Josh Harris assured journalists that the team is definitely considering the best people for the job, adding that the position is an attractive one.
Harbaugh, who coached the San Francisco 49ers from 2011-2014, is currently coaching Michigan in the national title game on Monday night, fueling rumors that he is considering a return to the NFL. During his tenure with the 49ers, he made the playoffs three times and reached the Super Bowl once, making him an attractive prospect for the Commanders.
The Commanders have a lot to consider, though, especially given the high staff turnover typical in NFL franchises. The demands of such a high-pressure role in a competitive league mean that finding the right candidate isn’t just about finding someone with the right football experience, but someone with the endurance and adaptability to weather the highs and lows of the job.
