Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris is thinking outside the box as he and the organization embark on a full coaching search.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Adam Schefter reported the Commanders hired former Golden State Warriors general manager Bob Myers and former Minnesota Vikings GM Rick Spielman to aid in targeting candidates to replace Ron Rivera, who was fired Monday.
Myers specifically “will take a lead role in identifying and coordinating interviews with candidates for both the top football operations and head coaching jobs—with Spielman set work to closely with him, officials said,” per the report.
Harris issued a statement confirming Rivera’s exit along with the roles Myers, Spielman and limited partner Magic Johnson among others will have on the advising committee:
Myers is a two-time NBA Executive of the Year who built a dynasty in Golden State, one that captured four titles over an eight-year span.
The 48-year-old had worked as a player agent for Wasserman Media Group before entering the front-office ranks.
Hiring an executive with no NFL experience to such a prominent role will naturally be met with a level of skepticism.
The Cleveland Browns did something a little similar when they hired Paul DePodesta, who worked for multiple MLB teams, as their chief strategy officer in 2016.
The Browns have made the playoffs twice since his arrival, but the Deshaun Watson trade might come to define DePodesta’s tenure.
