Ron Rivera dismissed; ex-GMs to counsel on restructuring the Commanders.
In a comprehensive overhaul of the football leadership within the franchise, Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris has initiated significant changes, starting with the dismissal of coach Ron Rivera on Monday morning. Harris has enlisted the expertise of two distinguished executives, former Golden State Warriors general manager Bob Myers and former Minnesota Vikings GM Rick Spielman, to assist in the search for a new head of football operations and head coach, according to team officials who shared details with ESPN.
Myers, renowned for constructing four championships with the Warriors and currently serving as an ESPN NBA analyst, will collaborate with Spielman, a seasoned 30-year NFL front-office executive. They will join Harris and his limited partners Mitch Rates, Magic Johnson, and David Blitzer as part of an advisory committee tasked with reshaping the Commanders’ front office and coaching staff, as disclosed by team officials to ESPN.
The immediate commencement of a search for the top football operations and head-coaching positions will be spearheaded by Myers, who will lead efforts in identifying and coordinating interviews with potential candidates. Spielman is set to work closely alongside Myers in this process, officials confirmed.
The attractiveness of the Commanders’ job openings is augmented by the possession of the No. 2 overall pick in the quarterback-rich 2024 draft and a projected salary cap space among the highest in the NFL this offseason.
While Harris will play an integral role in the search processes, his evolving relationship with Myers, a two-time NBA executive of the year, has convinced the owner that Myers’ championship track record and industry connections will be instrumental in building a new leadership structure for Washington.
During the ongoing search process, the current front office, including general manager Martin Mayhew and Executive VP of Football/Player Personnel Marty Hurney, will remain on staff. The new head of football operations and head coach will determine their long-term futures with the Commanders, according to team officials.
Expressing the importance of the upcoming offseason, Harris stated in a statement shared with ESPN, “This is a crucial offseason for us, and we won’t shy away from the work needed to get back to a place where we can deliver a winning culture top to bottom.” Harris commended Myers, stating, “…He is innovative, thoughtful, well-connected across sports and understands what it takes to solidify and sustain championship infrastructure. I think he’s going to be incredibly additive.”
Myers, having stepped down as GM of the Warriors in June, concluded his tenure with four championships in his final eight years on the job. He led the Warriors to six NBA Finals appearances in his 11 seasons as GM, securing championships except in 2019 and 2016. Myers played a pivotal role in the Warriors’ successful pursuit of Kevin Durant in 2016.
Joining ESPN as an NBA studio and game analyst in August, Myers will continue in that role. In response to the new opportunity with the Commanders, Myers remarked, “I have been fortunate to know Josh Harris for many years, and his commitment to building championship-caliber teams is what drew me here.”
Rick Spielman, who served as the Vikings GM for nine years until his departure in 2021, brings 30 years of NFL front office experience to the Commanders.
Josh Harris acquired the Commanders for an NFL-record $6.05 billion in May, succeeding Daniel Snyder, whose 24-year ownership was marked by scandal, dysfunction, and a lack of success.
