Despite early links suggesting NFL legend Bill Belichick could be a top candidate for the Washington Commanders head coach vacancy, it looks like the iconic coach will also be shut out of the job in DC.
This has been a wild last few weeks for six-time Super Bowl winner Bill Belichick. Earlier this month, history was made when he and the New England Patriots organization mutually agreed to part ways after 24 unforgettable seasons. Following the news it seemed like Belichick would be a top choice for every head coach opening around the NFL, but that hasn’t been the case.
The 71-year-old did not make the rounds and speak with any team interested this month. He has interviewed with the Atlanta Falcons and only the Falcons thus far. Furthermore, some around the league believe he also turned down opportunities with both the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys.
However, his focused strategy has not worked out for him as the talks with Atlanta eventually fell through and the franchise instead chose to make Raheem Morris their next head coach this week. It has left many wondering if the head coach will actually get a job at all this year.
Well, two more doors were likely closed on Thursday when Jeff Howe and Steve Buckley of The Athletic claimed Belichick is now “viewed as a long shot” for the current head coach opening with the Seattle Seahawks and Washington Commanders.
The Commanders’ element is notable because, toward the end of the 2023-24 NFL season, there was a great deal of speculation that new Washington owner Josh Harris would be very interested in changing the team’s ugly culture by bringing in the legendary coach.
So if not Bill Belichick, who will be the next Commanders head coach? Let’s look at the three most likely options.
4 coaches likely to land Washington Commanders head coach job
Ben Johnson
All signs seem to point to Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson being the next Washington Commanders’ head coach and a recent report suggested as much. Johnson was a red-hot candidate for vacancies last year before Detroit gave him the highest-paid OC in the league. Nothing has changed this year after the Lions offense has them on the doorstep of the team’s first trip to the Super Bowl.
With the Carolina Panther having chosen their new head coach, a top competitor for his services is now out of the equation. The fact that Washington has not filled the job yet points to them waiting for the Lions season to end so they can begin contract talks with the offensive guru.
One of the Baltimore Ravens coordinators
There is a chance the Commanders could be waiting to have more in-depth conversations with Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald or offensive coordinator Todd Monken. Both were nominated for Assistant Coach of the Year honors this week. However, it is probably more of a coincidence despite both being legitimate options as head coaches.
Mike Vrabel
Outside of Pete Carroll, former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel is the most proven head coach left on the market. There has been speculation that Vrabel could be a contender for the Washington Commanders’ job, however, he has not yet been interviewed for the opening. Which is surprising.
The fact that he has not talked to the team yet probably means Johnson is their top choice, but the former Patriots star may turn into a pretty good backup plan if discussions with Johnson fall through in the coming weeks.