Ron Rivera fired; former GMs to advise on Commanders’ overhaul

As part of a sweeping overhaul of the franchise's football management that began with the firing of coach Ron Rivera Monday morning, Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris hired two high-profile executives: former Golden State Warriors general manager Bob Myers and former Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman. — to assist its ownership group in the search for a new head of football operations and head coach, team officials told ESPN.

Rivera, who joined the Commanders in 2020, had final say in all football decisions and hired the team's front office. But after winning the NFC East in Rivera's first season with a 7-9 record, the Commanders were never able to produce a winning record.

The team finished that season at 4-13 and last in the NFC East, and they went 26-40-1 in his four seasons at the helm.

In a statement, Harris thanked Rivera, calling him a “good man” and a “thoughtful leader” but emphasizing that “this season's results were not good enough and a strategic change in leadership and approach is necessary.

“To achieve our ultimate goal of becoming an elite franchise and consistently competing for the Super Bowl, there is much to do, and we must first establish a strong organizational infrastructure led by the best and most talented individuals “As such, we will conduct an extensive search process to ensure we find the right candidates to move this franchise forward.”

Myers, the architect of four championships with the Warriors and current ESPN NBA analyst, and Spielman, an NFL front office executive for 30 years, will work with Harris and sponsors Mitch Rales, Magic Johnson and David Blitzer as part of an advisory committee. designed to reshape the Commanders' front office and coaching staff, team officials told ESPN.

In a search that will begin immediately, Myers will play a lead role in identifying and coordinating interviews with candidates for top football operations and head coaching positions, with Spielman set to work working closely with him, officials said.

The lure of the Commanders' job offers will be boosted by the No. 2 pick in a quarterback-rich 2024 draft and projected salary cap space that is among the largest in the NFL this offseason.

Harris will be closely involved in the search processes, but his longtime relationship with Myers — a two-time NBA Executive of the Year — evolved in recent months and convinced the owner that Myers' resume and connections to the industry could play an important role. an important role in building Washington's new leadership structure.

The Commanders' current front office, including general manager Martin Mayhew and executive vice president of football and player personnel Marty Hurney, will remain on staff throughout the search process, officials said. The new head of football operations and head coach will determine their long-term future with the Commanders, team officials told ESPN.

“This is a crucial offseason for us, and we will not hesitate to do the work necessary to get back to a place where we can deliver a winning culture from top to bottom,” Harris said in a statement shared with ESPN. “…I have known Bob for a long time and have watched him build four championship teams and a very successful organization at Golden State. …He is innovative, thoughtful, well-connected in all sports and understands what he needed to solidify and support the infrastructure of the championship. I think it's going to be incredibly additive.

Myers left his position as Warriors general manager in June, with four championships in his last eight years on the job. The Warriors have reached the NBA Finals six times in Myers' 11 seasons as general manager, losing only to Toronto (2019) and Cleveland (2016). Myers led the Warriors' 2016 free agent pursuit of Kevin Durant, who played in two titles with the Warriors before tearing an Achilles in the 2019 NBA Finals.

Myers was hired as assistant general manager in 2011 and promoted to general manager in 2012, and outside of Steph Curry's arrival before his, he had overseen two contract extensions, drafts, trades and Curry signings that sculpted the one of the league's modern dynasties. Myers was a prominent player agent before joining the Warriors front office in 2011.

Myers joined ESPN as an NBA studio and game analyst in August and will continue in that role.

“I have been fortunate to have known Josh Harris for many years and his commitment to building championship-caliber teams is what drew me here,” Myers said in a statement. “In my experience, the infrastructure of a championship starts with a strong ownership group that prioritizes culture and invests in attracting the most talented and innovative leaders in the industry. … This is the type of opportunity that really inspires me, and I look forward to contributing in the future.” next chapter of this famous franchise.”

Spielman – who was the Vikings' general manager for nine years until his departure in 2021 – has 30 years of experience in the NFL front office.

Harris purchased the Commanders for an NFL record $6.05 billion in May. He replaced Daniel Snyder, whose 24 years as franchise owner were mired by scandals, dysfunction and losing seasons.