Coaching interviews for NFL teams begin in earnest next week, and it’s looking like the Washington Commanders will have a head executive to help oversee that process.
After a round of interviews in Miami earlier this week, Commanders owner Josh Harris, along with his search committee, appears to have narrowed the field to two candidates, both with impeccable NFL pedigrees.
Harris referred to the position as “head of football operations,” which could mean a general manager title, or something like executive vice president of football operations. Either way, that person will have control over things like drafting, trades and the salary cap, as well as input into who coaches the team beginning in the 2024 season.
The top two candidates are Adam Peters and Ian Cunningham.
Peters is currently the assistant general manager of the San Francisco 49ers. He has long been thought of as a top candidate leaguewide, and last year turned down a handful of interviews from teams looking to poach him.
San Francisco changed its structure this year, moving previous general manager John Lynch to a newly created role as president of football operations.
The consensus at the time was that Lynch’s promotion would allow the team to promote Peters to general manager, though it hasn’t happened yet. He has strong ties with former Golden State Warriors GM Bob Myers, who is assisting in the search, and both men are lauded for their ability to create environments players want to play in.
After the game in Washington, 49ers defensive lineman Clelin Ferrell said that when he was a free agent, he called some of his friends throughout the league and asked where he should play, and the consensus was that the 49ers gave players the best support system and resources to succeed.
It’s possible Peters stays in San Francisco, and interest from Washington would undoubtedly help his bargaining cause there, but a source with knowledge of the process said Thursday the interest in the Commanders’ job is genuine.
Cunningham needs no introduction to the region, having played football at the University of Virginia as an offensive lineman. His second cousin is tennis legend Arthur Ashe.
He, too, has turned down jobs in the past few years, including a reported offer from the Arizona Cardinals last year.
Cunningham currently is the assistant general manager for the Chicago Bears, but spent the bulk of his career with the Ravens and Eagles, two of the league’s most respected operations.
One interesting wrinkle is that, if he stays with the Bears, Cunningham would have input into the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft, while Washington controls the No. 2 selection.
Cunningham’s selection would be notable in part for how routine it has become for Black men to ascend to general manager positions. This season, there were eight in the NFL, including in Washington, where Martin Mayhew held the title, though not as much power as the next one will have since coach Ron Rivera maintained the final say on personnel.
If Harris can land Harris or Cunningham, the search will almost certainly be considered a success leaguewide. That both took the time this week to meet Harris in Miami to interview is a testament to the renewed excitement over the franchise as it looks to turn the corner from the Dan Snyder era.
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