Commanders request HC interviews with four playoff coordinators

The Commanders' search for their next head coach is already underway after the team fired Ron Rivera on Monday morning. The first four candidates for the position are all coordinators who are currently preparing for the playoffs.

The first two announced were Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. Both men have received interest in the last couple of years. But following Detroit's 12-5 season as the No. 3 seed in the NFC, it seems likely at least one will get a head coaching job in 2024.

Johnson has quickly established himself as one of the best offensive minds in football as the Lions OC in the past two years. The offense averaged the third-most total yards per game (394.8) in 2023 and the fourth-most in 2022 (380).

Glenn, on the other hand, has been successful with far less to work with on his side of the ball. But following a busy offseason, the defense had by far its best season under Glenn, allowing the second-fewest rushing yards per game (88.8).

The next candidate Washington requested permission to interview is Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris. The two-time Super Bowl champion (XXXVII and LVI) has been with Los Angeles since 2021 after serving as Falcons interim head coach in 2020.

Morris' defense ranked in the middle of the pack in several categories this season. However, the defense saw a lot of change this past offseason and still found a way to win 10 games.

The Commanders' latest request is Ravens associate head coach & defensive line coach Anthony Weaver. What better way to turn a franchise around than by taking from the team that boasts the NFL's best record (13-4)?

Weaver has certainly played a large role in Baltimore's defense, which has allowed the fewest points per game (16.5) and sixth-fewest total yards per game (301.4) in the league. He has helped develop players like breakout DT Justin Madubuike. Weaver could do the same for the rebuilding Commanders.

Washington is still likely to request interviews with more candidates in the coming days/weeks. But if the team were to land Johnson, Glenn, Morris or Weaver as its next head coach, it would surely be in a better spot than it is today.