Commanders' Dream Candidates to Replace Ron Rivera in 2024 NFL Offseason if Moving On
Ron Rivera can't feel too comfortable that he'll be the head coach of the Washington Commanders in 2024. Washington is three years in with the former Panthers head coach and at 4-8, are on pace for the worst season of his tenure.
Throw in the fact that Josh Harris recently purchased the team from Dan Snyder and Rivera is on track to be replaced in the 2024 offseason.
Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports reported that it is "widely assumed" that Rivera will be relieved of his duties after finishing out the season.
So while there hasn't been a lot for Washington fans to get excited about this season, there's at least the thought of a new regime taking over. The Commanders could be an enticing undertaking for coaches.
The Commanders are second in 2024 cap space with $85.4 million and have a good shot at picking in the top five of the draft. With new ownership looking to prove themselves, the new head coach would be taking over a franchise that's in a good position to build a contender.
This figures to be a busy coaching carousel cycle, though. Two coaches have already been fired (Josh McDaniels and Frank Reich) and there could be more to follow.
Here's a look at three dream candidates that the Commanders could target, and hopefully sign, if they decide to move on from Rivera.
Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator
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The hot shot offensive coordinator is always a coaching archetype that is coveted this time of year. Developing a quarterback is one of the most important aspects of building a winner in the NFL and offensive-minded coaches have the potential to do it.
Ben Johnson has worked his way up the ladder with the Detroit Lions and has played a hand in Jared Goff resurrecting his career in the Motor City.
That already put the 37-year-old on teams' radars last season. He was a candidate for multiple openings before ultimately removing his name from consideration and making the decision to return to Detroit.
That's not going to stop teams from calling him until he's ready to make the leap. The Lions once again have one of the best offenses in the league.
It would be a dream scenario for the Commanders to lure Johnson to D.C. It would establish that Harris has what it takes to bring in top talent because Johnson is sure to be one of the most pursued candidates in the cycle.
It would also give the Commanders the best shot at building an offense that can win games soon. Johnson's offenses have arguably outperformed their personnel. Amon-Ra St. Brown is a rising star at receiver and Jahmyr Gibbs continues to develop, but there isn't a lot of blue chip skill on the roster.
If Johnson believes in Sam Howell, the Commanders could already have everything they need for him to hit the ground running.
Bill Belichick, New England Patriots Head Coach
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The most accomplished coach in the history of the league with something to prove? Sign the Commanders up.
There's no way around it, things are not good for Bill Belichick in New England. The Patriots have one of the worst rosters in the league and are probably in need of a reset. Since Tom Brady left for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Patriots have just one winning season and continue to get worse.
Much of that has to do with Belichick the GM. He's responsible for the roster in New England. But that doesn't mean that Belichick the coach can't still be one of the best in the league.
If we're talking dream scenarios here, then convincing Belichick to leave the Patriots for a shot at redemption with the Commanders while giving up some of his personnel decision-making power would be ideal.
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported that there's "chatter in some league circles" that the Commanders could look to trade for Belichick. However, there's still a shot that the Pats actually fire the coach, which would be a great situation for the Commanders because they could hire the six-time Super Bowl winner without giving up any picks.
If Josh Harris wants to make a splash while making the Commanders relevant, then Belichick is the perfect guy to do it. As long as the Commanders can get someone else to have some say in the roster, there's no one with a better resume.
Jim Harbaugh, Michigan Head Coach
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Jim Harbaugh might not quite be Bill Belichick, but he does have a 44-19-1 record as an NFL head coach with a Super Bowl appearance and three deep playoff runs on his resume.
Harbaugh also has youth on his side when compared with Belichick. While the Patriots coach is 71 years old while Harbaugh is 59.
Harbaugh was the head coach for the 49ers for four seasons and didn't have a single losing season before going back to the college ranks. He's been incredibly successful with the Wolverines, going 83-25 and racking up four New Year's Six bowl appearances. They're also undefeated and heading toward another playoff appearance.
Harbaugh interviewed with the Minnesota Vikings in 2022, but no offer materialized. Harbaugh has served two three-game suspensions this season. The first for recruiting violations and the second was related to the sign-stealing scandal at Michigan.
However, Jay Glazer of Fox Sports reported that teams are not going to let anything from the NCAA's investigation impact the way they view the coach if he wants to return to the NFL.
In other words, Harbaugh would be a hot candidate if he's ready to go back to the pro game.
Harbaugh is the rare candidate who is a proven winner in the league. If Harris is looking for relevancy and the kind of hire that declares the Commanders are to be a taken seriously, then hiring Harbaugh away from Michigan would make that statement.
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