Now that Adam Peters is in place as the general manager of the Washington Commanders, their search for a new head coach is up next on the agenda.
Washington initially requested permission to speak with seven assistant coaches from other teams — all seven assistants were on NFL playoff teams. Washington interviewed a pair of Ravens’ assistants last week: Defensive coordinator Mike MacDonald and associate head coach/DL coach Anthony Weaver.
Since the Commanders requested permission early last week to interview these potential coaches, some interesting developments occurred later in the week. The Patriots and legendary coach Bill Belichick parted ways. And the Titans fired head coach Mike Vrabel.
While some wanted to connect Belichick to the Commanders, that’s not happening. But what about Vrabel?
Could Peters expand his search now that he’s officially a part of the organization? Could Vrabel be a candidate?
In his latest mailbag for Sports Illustrated, Albert Breer brought up Vrabel’s name when asked if he had a prediction regarding who he believed would be the Commanders next head coach.
Since new GM Adam Peters just got there, I’d say it’s wide open. There’s also not an obvious natural fit from his background—maybe Houston Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik would be the easiest connection to draw on.
So I think Josh Harris, Rick Spielman, Bob Myers, Mitch Rales, David Blitzer, Magic Johnson and Peters will go and run a real search, one without a predetermined outcome. And if I had to pull one hint out of all that Peters dropped at his press conference, I’d say that it’d have to be how he said he’d be looking for a leader rather than someone specifically from one side of the ball or the other.
Remember, while Peters was around Kyle Shanahan the past seven years, he also saw Robert Saleh and DeMeco Ryans embody that sort of leadership quality. Which actually made me think that maybe this job is a good fit for Mike Vrabel. And it just so happens, for what it’s worth, that Peters got his start in the NFL with six years of scouting in New England (2003–08) while Vrabel was a player.
That’s interesting, for sure. Since Washington doesn’t need to request permission to speak with Vrabel, perhaps the two sides have already spoken.
When asked on Tuesday about the qualities he looks for in a head coach, Peters didn’t hesitate.
“We’re looking for the best leader for this team, for the Washington Commanders,” Peters said. “And so, we have set criteria that we’re going to have it be aligned in that vision. And it’s not going to be in a box. It’s not going to be offense, it’s not going to be defense. It’s going to be the best leader for this organization.”
A leader of men: That fits Vrabel to a tee. Some were surprised the Titans let him go. There was speculation he could replace Belichick in New England, but the Patriots moved quickly to promote Jared Mayo.
While some would argue that Vrabel is a retread, that’s simply not true. He can coach, and he’s respected by players. The key for Vrabel would be who he hires as an offensive coordinator since the Commanders are likely going to select a young quarterback in the NFL draft.
We speculated about the possibility of Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith possibly landing an interview.
Washington’s search for its next head coach could become clearer after this weekend’s Divisional Round, with several of its candidates coaching in the four games.