Tag: Martin Mayhew

Commanders hire Lance Newmark as assistant general manager

Adam Peters has a new assistant GM and the Commanders reshuffle others, including Martin Mayhew and Marty Hurney.

As the Washington Commanders continue to put the finishing touches on new head coach Dan Quinn’s first staff, general manager Adam Peters made his first significant addition to the front office.

The Commanders announced they had hired Lance Newmark as Peters’ new assistant general manager. Newmark comes to Washington after 26 years with the Detroit Lions, serving in a number of roles, most recently as senior director of player personnel.

Newmark’s first NFL job came with the San Diego Chargers under legendary former Washington GM Bobby Beathard, where he spent two years as a staff assistant.

Here is a look at Newmark’s career progression:

  • Chargers: 1996-97: Staff assistant
  • Lions: 1998: Staff assistant
  • Lions: 1999-2004: Area scout
  • Lions: 2005-07: National scout
  • Lions: 2008-14: Assistant director of college scouting
  • Lions: 2015-16: Director of college scouting
  • Lions: 2017-21: Director of player personnel
  • Lions: 2022-23: Senior director of player personnel

Newmark played college football at San Diego Mesa College before transferring to the University of San Diego for his final season.

During his two seasons with the Chargers, Newmark was on staff with Marty Hurney. And, for 15 of his years with the Lions, Newmark worked with Martin Mayhew. On the same day that Washington announced Newmark’s hiring, both Hurney and Mayhew were reassigned, per Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post.

Mayhew, previously Washington’s GM, will now be a senior personnel executive and advisor to Peters. Hurney, previously executive vice president of football/player personnel, will also be an advisor.

Peters released the following statement on Newmark’s hiring:

“I am thrilled to welcome Lance Newmark to the Washington Commanders,” said Peters. “Lance is someone that I have known and respected in the scouting community my entire career. He is a highly respected talent evaluator and a great leader who will fit perfectly into what we’re building here in Washington. I want to thank Brad Holmes and the Lions organization for being first class in working with us on the process of bringing Lance to the DMV. Lance is a phenomenal person, and he will immediately elevate our overall personnel function here at the Commanders. It is my absolute pleasure to welcome Lance and his family to Washington.”

 

Martin Mayhew to remain with the Commanders

Mayhew is with GM Adam Peters at the Senior Bowl.

New Washington general manager Adam Peters is conducting his first coaching search. Meanwhile, the Reese’s Senior Bowl kicked off on Tuesday in Mobile, Alabama. The Senior Bowl is a critical date on the NFL calendar, with all 32 teams represented.

Who would represent the Commanders? On Monday, some in Washington’s front office made the trip. However, on Wednesday, John Keim of ESPN reported that Peters was set to arrive in Mobile and he’d have company. Martin Mayhew, Washington’s general manager from the last three seasons, was coming with Peters.

Also, according to Keim, Mayhew is expected to remain, although his title has yet to be determined.

This isn’t a surprise. Peters and Mayhew have a good relationship. They worked together in San Francisco from 2017-20, with the pair sharing the role of vice president of player personnel. Mayhew has been with Washington since 2021 but was essentially a GM in title only. Former head coach Ron Rivera had the final say on all personnel matters, and Marty Hurney often had a greater say on personnel matters.

Peters will likely make other moves with Washington’s front office, but those types of moves often come after the NFL draft. But Mayhew is sticking around.

As for Mayhew, he’s currently still listed on Washington’s website as the general manager — alongside Peters.

What now happens with Commanders former GM Martin Mayhew?

What’s next for Martin Mayhew?

Friday, Commanders General Manager Martin Mayhew learned it is official; he is no longer the general manager.

Friday morning Washington managing partner Josh Harris hired San Francisco 49ers Assistant General Manager Adam Peters to be the new Commanders’ general manager.

What does this mean now for Mayhew?

Interestingly, Mayhew worked in San Francisco for four seasons (2017-20) with Peters. In 2017, Mayhew was hired by the 49ers as a senior personnel executive, while Peters was also hired in 2017 to serve as the Vice President of Player Personnel.

In 2021, Peters was promoted to the 49ers assistant general manager, while Mayhew was hired by Ron Rivera to be the Commanders’ general manager (2021-23). If Peters and Mayhew had a good working relationship in San Francisco (2017-20), perhaps Peters would ask Mayhew if he would like to stay on in some capacity.

Of course it is also a strong possibility that Peters may have someone else in mind that has worked with him in San Francisco that may like to come to Washington and become Peters’ assistant general manager. We will have to wait and see what transpires.

As a player (corner), Mayhew was with the Buffalo Bills for only one season (1988) when he was brought to Washington by former GM Charley Casserly. Mayhew intercepted 13 passes in his four seasons (1989-92) in Washington, playing opposite of Hall of Fame corner Darrell Green.

Mayhew departed after the 1992 season, playing four seasons for the Tampa Bay Bucs (1993-96), intercepting eight passes.

The Detroit Lions have employed Mayhew more than any other franchise in the NFL. He served as director of football operations (2001-03), assistant general manager (2004-08), and general manager (2008-2015).

Commanders hiring 49ers assistant GM Adam Peters as general manager

The Commanders land their top target.

Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris got his man. The Commanders quickly began their search for a new head of football operations on Monday after firing head coach Ron Rivera. On Friday, Washington hired San Francisco 49ers assistant general manager as the team’s new GM.

Peters was one of five known candidates to interview with Harris and his advisory committee, which consisted of minority owners David Blitzer, Magic Johnson, Mitchell Rales, former NBA executive Bob Myers, and former NFL executive Rick Speilman.

Most considered Peters to be the top GM candidate on the market, with many believing the California native would be difficult to pry away from the 49ers. In San Francisco, Peters was vital in building what is arguably the NFL’s best roster.

Peters joined San Francisco in 2017, spending four seasons as the vice president of player personnel. He was promoted to assistant GM in 2021.

Before San Francisco, Peters spent eight seasons with the Denver Broncos, beginning as a scout before his promotion to assistant director of college scouting. In his final season in Denver, Peters was the director of college scouting.

He began his NFL career as a scout with the New England Patriots, a role in which he held for six seasons.

Peters is a native of Cupertino, Calif., and played football at UCLA. He has three Super Bowl rings from his time in New England and Denver. The 49ers are the NFC’s No. 1 seed in this season’s playoffs.

Who is Commanders owner Josh Harris leaning on inside the organization?

Josh Harris has been leaning on someone already in Washington’s organization.

Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris is expected to make sweeping changes to the organization that he, along with his fellow minority partners, purchased for $6.05 billion back in July.

That means head coach Ron Rivera, who has a 26-36-1 record in four seasons with Washington, is likely gone after the season. Rivera is also the head of all football operations for the Commanders, meaning Harris is likely looking for a new general manager, too.

Sure, Martin Mayhew is Washington’s current GM, but he works for Rivera. Rivera hired Mayhew and has been the organization’s top football decision-maker since 2020.

Marty Hurney is another one of Rivera’s front-office hires. Rivera hired Hurney as Washington’s executive vice president of football for player personnel in 2021. Hurney, a former beat reporter who covered the then-Redskins in the 1980s, joined Washington’s PR department before following legendary GM Bobby Beathard to the Chargers. Hurney spent years working for Beathard before the Carolina Panthers hired him in 1998. In 2002, Hurney was promoted to general manager.

Hurney would have two stints as Carolina’s GM and is responsible for hiring Rivera as head coach there in 2011.

And, according to Kevin Sheehan of Team 980 in Washington, D.C, Harris has been leaning on Hurney in recent months.

“What I’ve learned is that Marty Hurney, who was a long-time executive in Carolina with Ron Rivera and a long and now has been with Rivera here for the last 2 ½ years, has become a trusted voice in the organization for Josh Harris,” Sheehan said Monday, per Lou DiPietro of Audacy. “And David Tepper, who Josh Harris knows and is the current owner of the Panthers, was apparently high on Hurney as well.”

Relax, Washington fans.

“Remember, Hurney has been in this league a long time and knows the key players, and while I’m not saying he’ll be the hire, as Josh Harris is looking for an opinion he trusts, he may be a voice of who to bring in for an interview and what names fill what buckets,” Sheehan continued.

What does this mean? Well, it could be as simple as Harris trusting Hurney, who has worked in the NFL for over 30 years in a variety of roles. It doesn’t mean Harris will promote Hurney. As Sheehan noted, Carolina owner David Tepper leaned on Hurney when he purchased the Panthers. Harris could be having Hurney evaluate Washington’s roster. He could also be questioning him about up-and-coming executives and coaches from around the NFL.

Rivera, Mayhew and Hurney know the deal. When a new owner took over, their job security was on the clock.

The Commanders have four games remaining on the 2023 schedule, and then the real work begins for Harris.

NFL insider on Commanders’ potential GM opening: ‘Everyone’s shooting for Washington’

Washington’s potential general manager opening is expected to be a coveted position.

The Washington Commanders do not have a vacancy at general manager. Washington also doesn’t have a vacancy at head coach. However, the status of those positions is expected to change once the Commanders complete the 2023 regular season.

As of now, head coach Ron Rivera oversees all football operations as a part of the coach-centric model former owner Dan Snyder employed when he hired Rivera in 2020. Rivera is Washington’s top football decision-maker, with everyone in the front office reporting to him. Martin Mayhew, the Commanders general manager, was hired by Rivera in 2021.

At 4-8, there will be changes for the Commanders. Of course, with a new owner in Josh Harris, there were always going to be changes in 2024.

According to one NFL insider, the Commanders’ potential GM opening will be coveted.

Here’s this from Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports.

“Everyone’s shooting for Washington,” one personnel executive told Jones.

Washington has a healthy salary cap situation, good draft picks and an ownership group that — admittedly not even a half-year into its rule — appears competent. There’s an allure to a job in Washington that hasn’t been there for a quarter-century.

Considering Harris’ background, a league source tells CBS Sports that any candidate with an open-mindedness to data and analytics will likely be a plus.

Washington being a destination job is certainly something. Fans will also welcome having a traditional GM/coach setup. For years, Snyder or his handpicked team president, Bruce Allen, acted as the final football decision-maker before Rivera was brought on board. It was a position neither was qualified for the franchise suffered greatly.

While the next five weeks could be painful for Commanders’ fans, the offseason could be busy and fun.

Rivera, Mayhew give insight into the future of a pair of released veterans

Don’t be surprised if two released veterans are soon back with the Commanders.

If there was a surprise during the Washington Commanders’ final cuts Tuesday, it was the release of veteran center Tyler Larsen.

Larsen, entering his 10th NFL season in 2023, has been with Washington since 2021, and it’s actually his second stint with the franchise. Before signing with Washington in March 2021, Larsen spent five seasons with the Carolina Panthers, where he played for current Washington coach Ron Rivera.

Larsen has appeared in 18 games, with 11 starts, over the last two seasons due to injuries to Chase Roullier. Unfortunately, Larsen would end each of his previous two seasons on IR with leg injuries after playing well for the Commanders.

Washington re-signed Larsen to a one-year deal in March after releasing Roullier and signing Nick Gates in free agency. The Commanders also drafted their future center, Ricky Stromberg, in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft.

Still, Washington loves what Larsen offers and does not want to be shorthanded at center again in 2023.

So, his release came as a bit of a surprise. However, his exit and the release of fullback/tight end Alex Armah could be temporary.

Both are vested veterans, and when asked about them Tuesday, Rivera and general manager Martin Mayhew offered a clue about their immediate futures.

“Well, I think the biggest thing, more anything else, is we like the position flex that the young man gives us,” Rivera said when asked about his confidence in Stromberg. He’s a solid, stout guy who we feel really good about right now.”

But check out how Rivera finished his answer to the question:

“And as Martin stated to the question, this is fluid right now, and we’re not done with anything potentially.”

Larsen will be back.

As for Armah, today’s NFL doesn’t feature a lot of fullbacks. Washington offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy does use a fullback, and Armah is a good, versatile player who can also help out at tight end.

Mayhew offered insight into Armah.

“Well, Alex has been a good player for us over the last couple of years,” Mayhew said. “We’ve had good conversations about him. There is value with having a fullback, and again, very fluid situation right now for where we are. I think we’re carrying four tight ends right now. We’ll see how that all plays out.”

Much like Rivera’s comment about Larsen, Mayhew gave a pretty clear indication that we haven’t seen the last of Armah.

Again, that’s why Tuesday’s roster is called the “initial” 53-man roster.

Commanders GM Martin Mayhew: The roster is a ‘very fluid’ right now

Other moves will be made.

Shortly after the Washington Commanders finalized their initial 53-man roster Tuesday, head coach Ron Rivera and general manager Martin Mayhew joined the local media to discuss the roster.

Washington’s initial 53-man roster didn’t contain any shocking moves. However, the numbers at two specific positions stood out. The Commanders kept seven wide receivers and 11 defensive linemen.

With so many players released over the last few days, every NFL team’s initial roster will likely change somewhat over the next week. So don’t get too attached to Tuesday’s rosters, which is exactly why we highlight the term “initial” roster.

Mayhew said as much on Tuesday.

“Yeah, I would say very fluid process,” said of the roster. “I mean, our 53 right now is what it is now, but it’s an ongoing process. There’ll be a big waiver wire out tonight. Our pro department will be scouring that. We’ll be looking through that. We’re always trying to get better.”

The Commanders are currently No. 16 in the waiver wire order.

In other words, there will be more moves, so Washington’s roster, as of 4 p.m. ET Tuesday, will likely not look the same one week from now.

2023 NFL GM rankings: The 5 best and 5 worst execs, starring Howie Roseman

Some of the guys on this list have built budding dynasties. Others just ruin their team’s hopes to contend.

Every star-studded Super Bowl contender has a mastermind pulling all the right strings behind the scenes. Without a quality general manager, most great, even good, teams never even launch off the ground.

And a quality GM is responsible for everything. They spend months scouting comprehensive draft classes. They have to massage their franchise’s salary cap when it comes time to make difficult financial choices. Even smaller decisions, like offseason training programs and equipment at the team’s facilities, are up to them. If we’re being forthright, a quality NFL GM has their fingerprints everywhere.

This isn’t necessarily a good thing for everyone.

Some GMs aren’t up to the task of having every important football decision come across their desk. They seemingly run their team like a 15-year-old kid playing Madden’s franchise mode who simulates all the smaller but essential details. And then it’s no wonder when their squads get obliterated every time they play a game.

For The Win’s 2023 preseason GM rankings centers on the folks who aren’t overwhelmed when they read one contract page on Over The Cap. It also highlights the people slowly but surely driving their franchises into the ground. After all, we have to see both sides of the coin.

MORE NFL PRESEASON:

Commanders season opener in 35 days: Washington’s best No. 35

35 Martin Mayhew days until the Commanders open the 2023 NFL season.

Commanders Wire continues a countdown to the Commanders season opener for 2023 in 35 days. Who was Washington’s best player wearing number 35?

Keith Griffin (1984-88) was drafted by Washington 279th overall in the 1984 NFL draft. The former Miami Hurricane running back was a member of the 1983 national championship Miami team. Even more, he was known to be the younger of three brothers who all played in the NFL (Archie, Ray, Keith). Keith spent most of his time on special teams, but he was part of the 1987 Super Bowl championship team and had a five-year NFL career with Washington.

Calvin Hill (1976-77) came to Washington in 1976 after being a star running back for the Dallas Cowboys (1969-74), where he was a Pro Bowler four seasons and All-Pro once. George Allen brought Hill to Washington as a free agent and then strangely used him too little in both of his seasons in Washington. So, Hill went to Cleveland (1978-81) and was an effective receiver out of the backfield.

Martin Mayhew (1989-92) came to Washington in 1989 as a free agent from the Buffalo Bills. He beat out Brian Davis to play the opposite cornerback of Darrell Green. The two speedsters proved to be a tough, effective duo for the Redskins. In his four Washington seasons, Mayhew started 48 games, intercepted 13 passes, returning one for a touchdown. He also recovered two fumbles and was credited with being in on 321 tackles. Mayhew started on the 1991 Super Bowl championship team, intercepting one pass against the Falcons in a 24-7 playoff win. Mayhew was the GM of the Detroit Lions (2008-2015) and has served as the Washington GM beginning in 2021.