Washington Commanders request to interview Lions' Ben Johnson, Aaron Glenn, Rams' Raheem Morris

The Washington Commanders are moving fast on their searches for new leadership after the firing of head coach Ron Rivera on Monday. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the team has already made interview requests with Detroit Lions for permission to speak to offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. They’ve also requested permission for an interview with Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris.

Also making moves on the front office staff, the Commanders have put in a request to interview Chicago Bears assistant general manager Ian Cunningham, as well as Cleveland Browns assistant GM Glenn Cook.

According to Adam Schefter’s reporting, team owner 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.

Commanders part ways with Ron Rivera after four seasons

The 4-13 Washington Commanders chose to part ways with head coach Ron Rivera after four seasons on Monday morning. 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.

“Today, we made the decision to part ways with Ron Rivera,” Harris wrote in a statement on Monday. “I want to thank Ron and his wife Stephanie for all they did for the Commanders and DMV community, especially during the ownership transition. Ron helped navigate this organization through some challenging times. He is a good man and thoughtful leader who has positively contributed to this organization and the NFL. I wish the Rivera family nothing but the best moving forward.

As we look ahead, we recognize the results this season were not good enough and a strategic shift in leadership and approach is necessary. Alongside my partners, I have assembled a small advisory committee to assist me in identifying two important roles for this organization: head of football operations and head coach. I have asked Mitch Rales, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, and David Blitzer, as well as Bob Myers and Rick Spielman, to join the advisory committee that will work with me to make the best decisions for the franchise.”