• Loading stock data...
Saturday, May 31, 2025

Black Monday: Harris Takes Next Steps in Commanders Overhaul

  • Ron Rivera was fired after compiling a 26-40-1 record and a playoff appearance.
  • The Commanders finished 4-13 and secured the No. 2 pick in April’s NFL Draft.
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Josh Harris hit the reset button Monday, more than five months after his ownership group seized control of the Washington Commanders with a record $6.05 billion purchase. 

Head coach Ron Rivera was fired, a search team for both his replacement and the head of football operations was announced, and Harris told reporters at the team’s headquarters there were more changes ahead. 

“As you can see, we’re a little busy,” Harris quipped when asked if the Commanders’ name would be among tweaks to the team. “We are picking a new head of the front office, a new coach, and we are busy working on the next improvements to our stadium. Then, obviously, our new home and thinking about that.”

Harris and his 20 co-owners didn’t officially take over the team until July, days before the start of training camp. Sources told Front Office Sports over the summer that the 2023 season would be used to evaluate the entire organization, including the front office and coaching ranks.

In the four seasons since then-owner Dan Snyder hired Rivera—amid increased scrutiny over toxic workplace issues that eventually threatened Snyder’s grasp of the team—the now-former coach compiled a 26-40-1 record with one playoff appearance. The team finished 4-13, a mark that ensured the Commanders would secure the No. 2 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on April 24. 

“This was not a fun season for the ownership group,” said Harris, whose priority is now in hiring the head of football operations—duties shared among Rivera, GM Martin Mayhew, and executive VP Marty Hurney—before selecting a head coach.

It became clear Monday that Harris and others in ownership had a plan, as they announced that former Golden State Warriors GM Bob Myers and former Vikings GM Rick Spielman would advise the search for both a new head coach and a head of football operations. The Commanders requested to interview several current assistants and front-office employees with other teams on Monday. 

Black Monday Rewind

At midnight, the Atlanta Falcons were the first team to dump their coach following Sunday’s end to the regular season. Arthur Smith exited the Falcons with a 21-30 record over three seasons. Also:

  • Carolina Panthers: After the midseason firing of Frank Reich, the team parted ways with GM Scott Fitterer. 
  • Los Angeles Chargers: Like the Panthers, the Bolts are in the market for a new head coach and GM after the respective December firings of Brandon Staley and Tom Telesco. 
  • New England Patriots: As of Monday afternoon, there wasn’t an update on Bill Belichick’s future as head coach. He’s expected to meet with owner Robert Kraft.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

MSG Tickets for Potential Pacers-Knicks Game 7 Start at $1,100

The current get-in price for a potential Game 7 is $1,099.

French Open Scheduling Sparks Backlash Over Women’s Time Slots

Coco Gauff has also said the French Open schedule could be improved.

Chiefs, Royals Stadium Plans Hit Political Wall As Both Parties Say No

Both Republicans and Democrats in Missouri oppose public funding for stadiums.

Panthers-Oilers Rematch Could Be Big in Canada. Will U.S. Ratings Dip?

Likely viewership declines in the U.S. are countered by robust Canadian audiences.

Featured Today

PSG and the City of Paris Can Join European Soccer’s Elite

What a maiden Champions League title would mean for the French club.
May 30, 2025

How the Champions League Anthem Took on a Life of Its Own

The composer didn’t know he wrote a timeless hit three decades ago.
May 25, 2025

How Rolex Paved the Way for Luxury’s Love Affair With Tennis

“It’s almost impossible to think about tennis without thinking about Rolex.”
Mar 23, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Alexandra Eala (PHI) reacts after winning a point against Madison Keys (USA)(not pictured) on day six of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium.
May 24, 2025

Alex Eala Is Defying Her Country’s Odds to Make French Open History

The Philippines native has overcome a unique set of financial odds.
Oct 26, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) injures left shoulder whilte attempt to steal second base in the seventh inning against the New York Yankees during game two of the 2024 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium.

Yankees-Dodgers Clash Draws TV Spotlight, Sky-High Prices

The teams’ lone regular-season series features three nationally aired games.
May 29, 2025

Panthers Clinch Stanley Cup Final Appearance, Stir Up Dynasty Talk

The Panthers clinched a third-straight trip to the Stanley Cup Final.
Sha'Carri Richardson
May 29, 2025

Sha’Carri Richardson Enters Track Start-Up Fray With Alexis Ohanian

Richardson headlines a group of “advisor owners” with equity in the league.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

In Episode 7 of Portfolio Players, go inside the boardroom with Avenue Capital CEO and former Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry on Giannis’s future, women’s sports, and upstart leagues like TGL and Unrivaled. 
May 29, 2025

NCAA Exploring March Madness Expansion to 76 Teams in 2026

NCAA president Charlie Baker said March Madness discussions are ongoing.
Softball
May 29, 2025

MLB Makes Eight-Figure Investment in New Softball League 

Athletes Unlimited and Major League Baseball announced the deal Thursday morning.
May 25, 2025; MONACO; McLaren's Lando Norris celebrates with a trophy on the podium after winning the Monaco Grand Prix alongside third placed McLaren's Oscar Piastri and McLaren chief executive Zak Brown at Circuit de Monaco.
May 28, 2025

F1’s Monaco GP Draws Third-Largest U.S. Audience Amid Track Criticisms

F1 will race in Monaco until at least 2031.
May 28, 2025

Big 12 Men’s Coaches in Favor of Expanding March Madness

Kansas coach Bill Self said the conference supports the idea.