Top 3 Commanders Coaching Candidates So Far

The Washington Commanders have requested interviews with numerous candidates for their vacant head coach position, but three lead the pack.

Author:
David Harrison
Publish date:
Jan 9, 2024 1:19 PM EST

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Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders coaching search is underway and the list is as strong as it is long with names that have been invited to interview for the position.

No fewer than seven coordinators - at the time of this writing - from around the NFL have been confirmed as receiving invites to interview from the Commanders with the latest being Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn.

It should surprise nobody every candidate Washington is targeting is competing in the NFL Playoffs this year as franchises tend to pull from the most successful teams in hopes of bringing that winning method to their own.

Here are our Top 3 coaching candidates for the Commanders, so far.

Washington Commanders coaching candidates Mike Macdonald (left), Raheem Morris (center), and Ben Johnson (right).
USA TODAY

1. Baltimore Ravens Defensive Coordinator Mike Macdonald

Macdonald took a small break in 2021 from being a coach for the Ravens and all he did was build a defense for the Michigan Wolverines that led to the school's first Big 10 Championship since 2004 as their coordinator.

He then returned to Baltimore in 2022 as the team's defensive coordinator and in his two seasons at the wheel has produced a unit top five in points per game, run defense, red zone defense, third-down defense, touchdowns allowed, and surrendered the fewest 20+ yard touchdowns all of that first season.

Limiting explosive scores alone is enough to get any Washington fan salivating at the thought of bringing that knowledge and system down the road.

In total, Macdonald has been with the Ravens for nine seasons.

2. Los Angeles Rams Defensive Coordinator Raheem Morris

There's a natural urge to resist 'retreads', coaches that have had previous stops leading a team that ended poorly.

So in Morris' case, there are going to be those who believe his three-and-out tenure leading the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is enough to eliminate him as a candidate.

But when you factor in that experience ended in 2011 - over a decade ago - and all he's done since then was coach offense and defensive players with the Atlanta Falcons and run one of the better defenses in the league with the Los Angeles Rams since then, we can give him a pass on the 'retread' label.

The Morris Washington would hire is not the one that left the Buccaneers in 2011, and not the one that was with this franchise from 2012-14, either.

He's much more experienced and has had time to fully grow into his role as a leader in an NFL franchise.

Even with his firing, there are still those who walk the halls at the Tampa Bay headquarters who speak fondly of Morris and all agree he wasn't a bad coach, just a little early to arrive at the top.

10 more years, and more, experience make his train likely to arrive any year now. Even if it's not with the Commanders.

3. Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson

Some are going to be offended Johnson isn't higher on this list, but its important to remember that all of these candidates are solid and deserving of top jobs in their own right.

The reason Johnson is third of the top three is because of his experience compared to the others.

As the offensive coordinator for the Lions the past two seasons Johnson's squad has performed admirably and his ability to resurrect the career of quarterback Jared Goff and help running back Jamaal Williams lead the league in rushing touchdowns just last season is very impressive.

So too are Johnson's ties to names like Mike Sherman, quarterback Aaron Rodgers through Joe Philbin, Peyton Manning through Adam Gase, and Cincinnati Bengals coach Zac Taylor.

Johnson brings a highly respectable resume, and it's easy to fall in love with the turnaround the Lions have experienced with his coaching heavily involved.

For those who want an offensive coach to replace defensive-minded Ron Rivera, Johnson is the No. 1 target.