Commanders Rumors: Lions' OC Johnson, DC Glenn, Rams DC Morris Among HC Targets

The Washington Commanders have requested to interview the Detroit Lions' top coordinators, the Los Angeles Rams' defensive coordinator and the Baltimore Ravens' defensive line coach, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero and ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Pelissero reported Monday the Commanders, who announced they fired head coach Ron Rivera, wish to formally speak with Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. Schefter later reported they requested to interview Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris and Ravens defensive line coach Anthony Weaver.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald received a request to interview with Washington.

Many have been curious to see how Washington owner Josh Harris would approach the task of hiring a new coach along with somebody to oversee football personnel.

One idea was that the 59-year-old would attempt to go big in an effort to make a statement. Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio reported Sunday he was "enamored with the idea" of bringing New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick to the franchise.

The significance in getting one of the greatest head coaches ever speaks for itself, even if that coach is likely in the twilight of his run.

The same could be said of landing Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, with whose agent Bleacher Report's Jordan Schultz reported the Commanders have made contact.

By all appearances, though, Harris is casting a wide net and open to new approaches.

Washington has brought aboard former Golden State Warriors general manager Bob Myers as an advisor to help in the organizational overhaul. Empowering an executive with no experience in the NFL for that role is a bold call.

The list of coaches already linked with the Commanders checks a wide variety of boxes.

Johnson's stock has ascended fast with the Lions' success on the field. Glenn brings a solid pedigree as both a player—three Pro Bowl nods in 15-year career—along with his impressive work in Detroit.

Morris previously coached the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for three seasons and replaced Dan Quinn with the Atlanta Falcons on an interim basis in 2020. Weaver was a defensive coordinator for one year with the Houston Texans in 2020 but has otherwise specialized on the defensive line.

Harris, Myers and other Commanders staff will leave no stone unturned before they settle on a replacement for Rivera.