Washington Commanders Firings Coming, Who Might Be Spared?

There are changes coming for the Washington Commanders, but some may not be satisfied with all the moves depending on who is retained after the season ends.

Discussing the job security of people who put in countless hours to construct a winning NFL squad is never pleasant but as the Washington Commanders enter their Week 15 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams (6-7) with a 4-9 record the employment of coach Ron Rivera has been a hot topic for weeks.

According to a recent report, what many outside the Commanders assume is also true inside of the organization and Rivera’s firing is imminent, not just likely or possible.

But Rivera isn’t likely to be the lone exit when Washington makes its decision official at the end of the season.

“There are no surprises arriving in Washington at the end of the regular season,” says The Athletic. “At this point it’s understood around the building…Ron Rivera and some front office members will be fired. Since acquiring the team, new owner Josh Harris has had the vision to keep Rivera in place through the end of the season, then move on. It’s really not a secret anymore.”

While there’s no surprise in the main takeaway, there may be some on the horizon as the report suggest some and not all of the current staff will be relieved. 

This opens the door to some others being retained, at least until new hires get their opportunity to fully evaluate the staff left behind. 

Mixed in with the conversations about firing Rivera has come calls for the jobs of general manager Martin Mayhew, executive vice president of football/player personnel Marty Hurney, and team president Jason Wright along with members of Rivera’s coaching staff.

Eric Bieniemy (holding helmet) poses with (L-R) Washington Commanders team president Jason Wright, general manager Martin Mayhew, and head coach Ron Rivera / Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

It’s not uncustomary for an owner to conduct a clean sweep when firing key staffers, and with a new managing partner in place it could be considered even more likely.

Primarily, those observing the franchise who support such a move often tie the reasoning to cleansing any trace of the former owners.

But if The Athletic’s report is to be taken literally then it appears possible someone like Wright, who alongside Rivera has helped navigate the Commanders through extremely tumultuous waters, could be retained. 

If Harris and the ownership group look positively upon the efforts Wright has led as team president over the years, and the additional projects executed this season, then it would make sense to keep him in place to continue building the goodwill they’ve tried to foster with the fans.

Additionally, assistant head coach/offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy is considered by many to be a top candidate to potentially replace Rivera if he’s not hired away elsewhere. And if Bieniemy stays, he may choose to retain quarterbacks coach Tavita Pritchard who joined the staff just this season as well.

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Then there are coaches like special teams coordinator Nate Kaczor and running backs coach Randy Jordan who predate Rivera’s arrival, as well as assistant defensive line coach Ryan Kerrigan who was hired by current leadership but is a Washington legend with far-reaching support from the fans.

Truthfully, there will be many current members of the Commanders who stay regardless of decisions made at the top. 

Who those to be retained are is the big question. And the answer Harris provides at the end of the season will determine whether he has the faith and confidence of his fan base or not.