Commanders down to 4 finalists for head athletic trainer

INDIANAPOLIS — The Washington Commanders are down to four finalists and are on the verge of hiring a new head athletic trainer, coach Ron Rivera said Tuesday. 

Mark McCracken has served in the role on an interim basis, but Washington went the majority of the season with head trainer Ryan Vermillion placed on administrative leave after the Drug Enforcement Administration began investigating Vermillion reportedly over the possible unauthorized distribution of prescription drugs. Vermillion has not been charged with a crime. 

The situation left Washington in a precarious position as Vermillion was placed on leave in October. In addition to McCracken, the team brought in former Washington Capitals trainer Greg Smith and former Redskins trainer Bubba Tyer to help out on a temporary basis. 

The Commanders, formerly known as the Washington Football Team, dealt with a series of nagging injuries in 2021 — most notably to wide receiver Curtis Samuel (groin and hamstring). Samuel, one of the team’s top free-agent signings the prior offseason, played in only five games.

All four candidates have prior NFL experience, Rivera said. Two of them are currently in the college ranks. 

“We have four candidates,” Rivera said. “We’ve brought them in and talked with them. We’ve interviewed everybody. … We’re trying to do this very systematically and we’re trying to find this is the best fit possible for us going forward. All four candidates were outstanding. All were recommended to us.” 

With the Commanders still down a head trainer, the team brought five medical officials to Indianapolis for this week’s scouting combine: McCracken, head physician Dr. Anthony Casolaro, Dr. Chris Annunziata and trainers Masahiro Takahagi and Noah MacNiven. The combine provides a chance for teams to medically evaluate players ahead of April’s NFL draft. 

Vermillion had worked with Rivera for almost a decade, dating back to their time with the Carolina Panthers. On Oct. 1, DEA officials raided the Commanders’ facility and Vermillion’s home as part of their criminal investigation — leading the team to put Vermillion on leave. 

“The other four guys are young guys that are very accomplished, come very highly recommended,” Rivera said. “I’m telling you. This has been a very difficult process just because of the fact that all four were good interviews. … We want to make sure we get the right decision.”