Tag: Adam Peters

Josh Harris is using relationships to rebuild the Commanders

Josh Harris is making all the right moves.

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.

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.

What does Commanders’ advisor Rick Spielman think of USC quarterback Caleb Williams?

Rick Spielman is a big fan of Caleb Williams.

Rick Spielman spent 32 consecutive seasons in the front office of an NFL team. He is a two-time general manager and was named the NFL Executive of the Year in 2017.

Spielman first served as a GM with the Miami Dolphins in 2004, but it was his stint with the Minnesota Vikings (2012-21) where he made his name. Spielman led the Vikings to six playoff appearances during his time as general manager and drafted players such as Adrian Peterson, Justin Jefferson, Danielle Hunter, Harrison Smith, Stefon Diggs and others. It was also Spielman who signed quarterback Kirk Cousins away from Washington.

Last week, Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris hired Spielman and Bob Myers as advisors in his search for a new head of football operations and head coach. On Friday, Washington hired San Francisco 49ers assistant GM Adam Peters as general manager.

It’s unclear what Spielman’s future will be in Washington once the Commanders’ hiring process is complete, as Peters will make all final personnel decisions, but it is interesting to hear his perspective on the presumed No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft: USC quarterback Caleb Williams.

Spielman is a fan. A big fan.

Spielman, who contributes to The 33rd Team, had the following to write about Williams in October.

He is a unique talent at quarterback. Williams’ athleticism is on full display on every tape you watch, but he is a quarterback first. He shows poise and patience in the pocket. He, at times, is too patient and relies on his unique athletic ability to buy a second chance looking for the big play instead of taking what the defense is giving him. Williams won’t have that type of luxury — holding the ball for as long as he does in the pocket — in the NFL.

Williams shows his ability to get through his progressions and get the ball out on time when he must. His arm strength, release quickness and ball placement jump out on the tape. NFL defensive coordinators are going to have to game plan for Williams’ unique athletic ability and speed to make plays with his legs.

If you need more proof of how much Spielman likes Williams, check out this video of Spielman being asked if he would take Williams or other former No. 1 picks, and, in most cases, Spielmen went with Williams.

That’s high praise.

More from his scouting report on Williams:

Overall, though, it is hard to poke a lot of holes in Williams’ game. He will have to adjust to the speed of the game in the NFL, and the windows will be tighter, but those adjustments should come quickly for him.

After watching the 2023 tape, there is no question that if everything checks out through the pre-draft process, he will be a franchise-changing quarterback for whoever drafts him.

It could mean nothing for multiple reasons. Ultimately, the Chicago Bears hold all the cards. They could take Williams, or they could trade the pick. A move up, even one spot, will be costly. Perhaps too costly for Washington’s new regime.

While Spielman will not be making personnel decisions for the Commanders, you can bet he’s given his scouting report to Harris.

Important offseason dates for the Commanders in 2024

The important offseason dates across the NFL.

The 2023 NFL season ended one week ago for the Washington Commanders. But the work was just beginning for Washington. Owner Josh Harris fired head coach Ron Rivera on Monday, quickly opening a search for a new head of football operations and head coach.

On Friday, news broke that the Commanders were hiring San Francisco 49ers assistant general manager Adam Peters as the franchise’s new general manager. Peters was the most coveted GM candidate available.

Harris and Peters will continue searching for a new head coach this week.

While the Commanders are in the middle of a coaching search, business in the NFL will continue. We’ve compiled a list of some of the critical offseason dates from now through May, courtesy of NFL operations.

Commanders’ Sam Cosmi: ‘I’m tired of losing’

Sam Cosmi has the right attitude heading into a new regime.

It was a difficult season for the Washington Commanders. Washington went 4-13, and head coach Ron Rivera was fired.

When players cleaned their lockers on Monday, several spoke about their former head coach. While some players appeared frustrated with offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, they expressed gratitude and appreciation for Rivera despite his lack of success.

As for the 2023 season, there weren’t a lot of bright spots on the field. One bright spot, though, was right guard Sam Cosmi. A 2021 second-round pick from the University of Texas, Cosmi began his career as Washington’s right tackle. After two seasons of up-and-down play at tackle, the 6-foot-6, 309-pound Cosmi moved to right guard in the offseason.

The offensive line struggled as a whole in 2023, but Cosmi, particularly in the second half of the season, was a force at right guard. Per Pro Football Focus, Cosmi was one of the NFL’s highest-graded offensive linemen in the second half of the season and led all Washington offensive players with an 80.6 grade for the season.

In speaking to reporters on Monday, Cosmi made it clear he wished the Commanders had run the ball more in 2023. Washington finished first in passing attempts with essentially a rookie quarterback while finishing last in rushing attempts.

Cosmi was appreciative of Rivera but is excited about the upcoming changes for Washington in 2024. The Commanders hired a new general manager on Friday, Adam Peters, formerly of the San Francisco 49ers.

Cosmi expressed why change is good.

“Change can be great, to be honest with you,” Cosmi said. “I’m looking forward to it. I’m tired of losing. I’m tired of being average, now, below average. I want to win. At the end of the day, everybody does. So, whatever that takes, it’s a brutal business. But you’ve got to perform; I got to perform. Every time I go on that field, regardless of the situation, I have to perform. Everybody in this building has to perform. We all play a part.”

Those are refreshing words to hear from a young Washington player. Cosmi is an ascending player and one Peters will presumably want to build around moving forward. A losing attitude has permeated Washington’s locker room for too long, and that’s something Cosmi wants to change.

Head coaching candidates cannot afford to wait on Commanders

Could new GM Adam Peters request permission to speak with additional head coaching candidates this week?

Time stands still for no man.

The Commanders (like all of us) are being reminded of that ageless truth again this weekend.

Washington may have Friday morning sealed the deal to hire 49ers assistant general manager Adam Peters. Yet, there is no time to take it easy and celebrate.

Other NFL head-coaching prospects were not sitting by their cell phones, idle, waiting for the Commanders to call. They cannot afford to wait, as there are only so many openings, and as usual, there are more applicants than there are openings.

For example, 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks took advantage of his team’s open bye week during this first weekend of the NFL playoffs.

Consequently, Wilks reportedly interviewed earlier Saturday with the Chargers about their head coaching job, and then later in the day, he interviewed regarding the Falcons job.

Mike MacDonald, defensive coordinator for the Ravens, was also said to have gotten in an interview with the Chargers on Saturday.

Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan also interviewed today with the Falcons concerning their head coaching position.

Meanwhile, former Washington Redskins linebacker Antonio Pierce who served this season as the Raiders interim head coach following the firing of Josh McDaniels is now considered to be the leader to become the next head coach of the Raiders. Apparently, some significant Raiders players have expressed their desire for Pierce to become the next head coach.

Could Washington expand its pool of potential head coaching candidates now that it has a GM?

Next week will be a very busy week for the Commanders new general manager as he talks with candidates to replace Ron Rivera, who was fired Monday. Yet, with all that has transpired in just this one week, doesn’t it seem like much more than only a week has passed since Rivera was fired?

Lions OC Ben Johnson is reportedly Commanders’ top choice for head coach

While Johnson may be the top target, a lot can happen.

The Washington Commanders search for a new head coach should pick up this week. Five of the seven names Washington requested permission to speak with can be interviewed this week. The Commanders interviewed Ravens associate head coach/defensive line coach Anthony Weaver last week.

It’s unknown if Washington has interviewed Baltimore defensive coordinator Mike MacDonald yet.

Here are the seven names Washington has asked for permission to interview for its vacant head coaching position:

  • Lions OC Ben Johnson
  • Lions DC Aaron Glenn
  • Rams DC Raheem Morris
  • Ravens AHC/DL coach Anthony Weaver
  • Ravens DC Mike MacDonald
  • Cowboys DC Dan Quinn
  • Texans OC Bobby Slowik

Last week, the Commanders were searching for their next general manager while also beginning their coaching search. On Friday, Washington landed its top target to run the football operations: 49ers assistant GM Adam Peters.

Johnson, Glenn, Morris and Quinn all have teams playing in Sunday’s wild-card round. Slowik and the Texans advanced to the divisional round after Saturday’s win over the Browns. The Ravens (Weaver and MacDonald) were off this week.

Many NFL insiders have pointed to Johnson, the Lions’ 36-year-old coordinator, as the favorite for Washington. Another NFL insider, Dianna Russini of The Athletic, is also hearing the Commanders are targeting Johnson as their No. 1 choice.

While Johnson may be the top target, so much can happen once the interview process moves along. What happens if Peters connects better with another coach on the list? Also, what if Peters uses his 49ers’ connections to hire Slowik?

As Russini stated, Washington will be open and flexible in its search. This is no longer Dan Snyder’s show. The interview process will matter. Something to also consider is who each of these candidates would hire on their coaching staff.

What if Johnson can land former Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale as his defensive coordinator? Or, what if Slowik could hire someone with Martindale’s credentials? Perhaps the Commanders love Raheem Morris’ leadership. Who could Morris land as a potential offensive coordinator?

This is a big week for the Commanders in their search for a new head coach, but it may be prolonged depending on what happens during Sunday’s games.

NFL insider says Cowboys DC Dan Quinn is a ‘name to watch’ for Commanders’ head coach

Dan Quinn is reportedly a strong contender to be Washington’s head coach.

The Washington Commanders have requested permission to interview at least seven assistant coaches for their vacant head coaching position. The list could grow after the Commanders hired former 49ers assistant GM Adam Peters as their new general manager.

The only name known to have interviewed with Washington thus far is Ravens associate head coach/defensive line coach Anthony Weaver. The Commanders also requested permission to interview Baltimore defensive coordinator Mike MacDonald, but it isn’t known if that meeting has occurred yet.

Washington spoke with Weaver last week because the Ravens are on a bye for this week’s wild-card round of the playoffs. The Commanders can speak to the rest of the candidates after the wild-card round this week.

One of the coaches Washington requested permission to interview is Dallas defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. Quinn, 53, made his name as a defensive line coach for multiple teams before ascending to the role of defensive coordinator of the Seattle Seahawks in 2013. After helping lead the Seahawks to a Super Bowl championship, Quinn took a head coaching position with the Atlanta Falcons.

In five-plus seasons as head coach of the Falcons, Quinn finished with a record of 43-42 before he was fired in 2020. He did guide Atlanta to a Super Bowl appearance in 2016 before the Falcons blew the largest lead in Super Bowl history and lost to the Patriots.

In 2021, Quinn became the Cowboys defensive coordinator. His defenses have been outstanding, and after each season, he’s received requests to interview for other head coaching opportunities. He’s chosen to remain in Dallas.

Will that change this time around?

According to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, Quinn is a serious contender for Washington’s head coaching vacancy. While Pelissero noted that Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is believed to be atop Peters’ wish list, Quinn “is another name to watch in Washington.”

Pelissero said that Quinn’s previous head coaching experience could be valuable coming to a place where there is a first-time GM.

Could Washington hire away Mike McCarthy’s most valuable assistant? Quinn has completely transformed the Cowboys defense since arriving in 2021. Dallas is always among the league leaders in forced turnovers and sacks — areas in which Washington has struggled recently.

If the Commanders hired Quinn, the key would be who he would hire as offensive coordinator. Washington is expected to take a quarterback at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL draft, and that QB’s development will be a priority for the franchise.

Several potential Commanders coaches in action on wild-card weekend

You can bet new Washington GM Adam Peters is watching this week’s playoff games very closely.

Washington Commanders’ new general manager, Adam Peters, was probably watching one Saturday playoff game closely.

The Houston Texans (4th seed) were hosting the Cleveland Browns (5th seed) in the first playoff game of the 2023 NFL season.

The reason Peters was probably watching closely was to observe the offense of Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik.

The Texans offense and defense both performed well, as the Texans surprised NFL fans, not in the fact that they won on their home field, but that the game was determined by the middle of the third quarter.

Houston won the game coasting to a 45-14 romp over the Browns. For Peters, he might have preferred the Texans offense to have been the primary reason for their 45 points. However, it was the Texans defense who, in the third quarter, intercepted two Joe Flacco passes, returning them for touchdowns.

As for the Texans offense, rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud was very efficient and effective, completing 16 of his 21 passes for 274 yards and three first-half touchdown passes. The Texans led 24-14 at the half, and the defense really sealed the win with two pic-sixes in the third quarter.

Slowik has been credited with his work in structuring an offense and overseeing the development of Stroud, who last year was playing for the Ohio State Buckeyes.

So we don’t get too carried away, Slowik’s Texans only ran 44 offensive plays compared the Browns 70. Yet, might that perhaps be the case because the Texans did average an impressive 8.1 yards per play? And this was against a playoff team?

Sunday, Peters will most likely be watching closely the playoff game in Detroit between the Rams and the Lions. Remember, Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris are all said to be top head-coaching prospects in this year’s hiring cycle.

The Commanders are suddenly attracting quality candidates

Times are changing in Washington.

Washington has not attracted a general manager type since Scot McCloughan in 2015.

Then, the franchise aired McCloughan’s dirty laundry and got rid of him. It was the final straw across the league. Dan Snyder and Bruce Allen would not be able to hire those in high demand.

Following Joe Gibbs’ retirement after the 2007 season, Snyder couldn’t get any candidate to take the job. The previous owner had already gone out and foolishly hired Jim Zorn as his offensive coordinator on Jan. 26, 2008. This meant whoever would be the head coach could not hire his own coordinator. What was Snyder thinking?!

After a couple of weeks of rejections and making no progress, the former owner gave up and proceeded on Feb. 9 to promote Zorn (who had never been an NFL coordinator) to be the Redskins head coach.

One foolish move by the former owner was followed by another foolish move by the former owner.

When the former owner fired Jay Gruden, he hired Ron Rivera, who, while with the Carolina Panthers, had actually only achieved three winning seasons. Yet, one of them brought an NFC Championship. The former owner hired Rivera to be not only his coach but his head of player personnel as well.

“Coach-centric” became the oft-used term in Washington.

Was anyone else going to hire Rivera and give him complete control? Even later, the last two seasons witnessed Rivera offering far more for Carson Wentz than anyone else. Then, he not only hired Eric Bieniemy but also handed over the offense to him and gave him the role of Assistant Head Coach. All while, Bieniemy had no one else pursuing his services.

Ah, it is a new era in Washington with the current owner, Josh Harris. The franchise received all sorts of applicants for the general manager job and was also able to hire the guy they wanted, Adam Peters.

Next week, Peters, Harris and his advisors group will embark on hiring the next Washington Commanders head coach.

Things are trending upward, as the franchise will have several top head coaching candidates hoping to be hired by Washington.

There is an old saying, “Everything rises and falls on leadership.”

Josh Harris and his leadership group have suddenly transformed the perception around the league of what it means to work for the Washington Commanders.

Former NFL GM Scott Pioli excited for Commanders, Adam Peters

Pioli and Bill Belichick gave Peters his first NFL job.

New Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters got his first NFL job back in 2003 with the New England Patriots. After one year as a graduate assistant at his alma mater UCLA, Peters joined the Patriots as a scout in 2003.

The man who gave Peters his first NFL job was Scott Pioli. In 2003, Pioli served as New England’s vice president of player personnel. Essentially, Pioli was the general manager, but that title belonged to head coach Bill Belichick. Still, Pioli was Belichick’s top personnel guy.

Belichick and Pioli built a dynasty with the Patriots. Not only did New England win multiple Super Bowls over two decades, but the Patriots also developed several future general managers.

Pioli was a guest on the “The Hoffman Show” on Team 980 Friday and discussed hiring Peters. Pioli said he and Belichick first met Peters on a scouting trip to UCLA while Peters was a grad assistant. Pioli remained in contact with Peters and later hired him.

The former Patriots executive and Chiefs GM explained that Belichick liked football players who were former walk-ons, such as Peters at UCLA. Belichick appreciated the work ethic and it showed that the player loved football, which was one of several reasons why Peters appealed to the Patriots.

As far as the Commanders hiring Peters, Pioli praised the move.

“Personally, I’m really excited for Adam,” Pioli said. “I’ve known him for so long, and I’m happy for him and his family. I am also excited for Washington. I have so much respect for that franchise,” he said while noting he grew up a fan of the New York Giants. 

“I’ve always loved the franchise,” Pioli said of Washington. “I’ve always respected the franchise. I’m excited and truly hopeful this works out well for everybody.”

So, what should Washington fans expect from Peters?

“He understands his role is to find and acquire talent,” Pioli said of Peters. “Draft it, sign it, get it under contract, and help the head coach develop it. I think Adam’s philosophy is he knows what wins in this league; he’s seen it in New England, he’s seen it in San Francisco. He also knows that the most important part of a general manager and someone who acquires talent is to humble themselves and make sure that they’re finding the talent that fits the head coach’s needs and what the scheme’s needs are.”

Peters has won with the Patriots, Broncos and 49ers. He’s won working for different head coaches, most notably Belichick and Kyle Shanahan. What the Commanders have lacked for years is a general manager and coach working together to draft and sign players who fit their schemes. The previous regime spent big free-agent dollars on a cornerback that didn’t fit their scheme, yet tried to make it work. It failed miserably. It happened years before with Josh Norman, too.

Don’t expect that from Peters. If the Commanders don’t sign the biggest-name free agent, don’t worry because Peters will be aligned with the coaches on bringing in the free agents who can best help the Commanders win.

A new day in Washington, indeed.