Reports: Washington Commanders hiring 49ers' assistant GM Adam Peters as general manager

The Washington Commanders have made one of the first big moves to embark on the new era under new ownership, bringing in a new general manager according to reports. And the Josh Harris-led ownership group have tabbed San Francisco 49ers assistant general manager Adam Peters for the big chair for the Commanders franchise.

Peters has a long track record of success working in front offices. He’s been a part of Super Bowl runs while working with the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots at various points in his career.

Since joining the 49ers organization in 2017, Peters has been a key consigliere to general manager John Lynch in assembling one of the best rosters in the NFL.

Season’s first general manager hire: Commanders are hiring 49ers’ assistant GM Adam Peters as their general manager, sources tell ESPN.

Peters won Super Bowls while working in New England and Denver, and has been in SF since 2017, helping build one of the NFL’s top rosters. pic.twitter.com/oFMwfH0Lpw

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 12, 2024

The Commanders are also in a market for a new head coach

The 4-13 Washington Commanders have chosen to part ways with head coach Ron Rivera after four seasons, according to Adam Schefter. With new leadership in place, the Commanders will now begin the hunt for a coach to lead the team into a new era.

Rivera, 62, had been on the hot seat with Washington having dropped seven games in a row after a 4-5 start. The Dallas Cowboys made it eight straight in the season finale Sunday with a 38-10 win. Rivera has been at the helm in D.C. since the 2020 season, when he was hired to replace Jay Gruden. The Commanders captured an NFC East title in Rivera’s inaugural season, albeit with a 7-9 record. Since then, Washington has gone 19-31 with zero playoff appearances.

Prior to joining the Commanders, Rivera spent nine seasons (2011-19) as head coach of the Carolina Panthers. Carolina went 76-63 under Rivera, winning three NFC South titles and coming just short of winning Super Bowl 50 against the Denver Broncos.

The harsh reality of Rivera’s future became a bit clearer once Josh Harris took over as team owner from Dan Snyder. Harris hasn’t commented publicly since Nov. 24, when Rivera made the decision to relieve Jack Del Rio from his duties as defensive coordinator. At the time, Harris described his feelings with the team as “disappointed and frustrated.”

Along with Rivera, the status of general manager Martin Mayhew is now also in doubt. As for where Washington goes next, the next regime will walk into a situation with new, stable ownership, some building blocks already on the roster such as receiver Terry McLaurin, running back Brian Robinson and defensive lineman Jonathan Allen. The team also has a chance to snag a franchise quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft.

According to Schefter’s reporting, Josh Harris has hired two prominent executives to help his group search for a new head coach. Those executives are former Warriors GM Bob Myers and former Vikings GM Rick Spielman.

On3’s Nikki Chavanelle and Nick Geddes contributed to this report