When the Washington Commanders fired head coach Ron Rivera last week, owner Josh Harris released a statement that he’d hired outside advisors to assist with his search for the franchise’s next head of football operations and head coach.
Joining Harris and minority partners Mitchell Rales, Magic Johnson and David Blitzer on Washington’s advisory committee were former two-time NBA Executive of the Year Bob Myers and former NFL Executive of the Year Rick Spielman.
There was some initial confusion as to why Harris — a longtime NBA owner — would bring on an NBA executive. It didn’t take long to realize that you didn’t need to be an NBA fan to see Myers’ accomplishments. He’s a team builder. He’s a program builder, and he’s all about relationships.
Spielman spent 32 years in different front offices around the NFL, including a stint as general manager of the Minnesota Vikings that ended in 2021.
Shortly after Harris’ statement, the Commanders requested permission to speak to potential GMs and head coaches. They began the interview process on Tuesday and, by Friday, had hired San Francisco 49ers assistant GM Adam Peters as the franchise’s new general manager.
Peters was the most coveted executive available, and Harris and his partners interviewed him on Tuesday, and by Friday, he was Washington’s GM.
What was the connection here? It was Myers.
Bob Myers and Adam Peters go way back. Same high school and both UCLA alums. They’ve had a relationship for quite some time. Peters definitely a strong candidate for the #Commanders GM job. https://t.co/FJgrHqgmc7
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 8, 2024
While Garofolo’s initial report was incorrect — the pair didn’t go to the same high school — they are pretty friendly with one another. Both are natives of the Bay Area, and Peters accepted a position with San Francisco in 2017. At that time, Myers was GM and president of the Golden State Warriors, roles he stepped away from last May.
Myers had been to several 49ers’ games and built a friendly relationship with Peters over the years.
What about Spielman? His younger brother, Chris, a former NFL standout linebacker, is a special assistant to the Detroit Lions’ President/CEO.
What does that have to do with Washington?
Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is reportedly the Commanders’ top target to be their next head coach.
Johnson joined the Lions in 2019, while Spielman returned to the franchise in his role in 2020. Of course, Spielman would know Johnson well.
Well played.
Of course, this doesn’t mean Johnson will be Washington’s next head coach. Johnson may seek another job, or the Commanders may be blown away by someone else in the interview process, such as Texans OC Bobby Slowik or Rams DC Raheem Morris.
You never know.
However, Harris is one step ahead. Could you ever say the same about former owner Dan Snyder? It’s a refreshing change for Washington to be a desirable place.