Should these top HC candidates be options for Commanders?

It's time for the NFL's annual coaching carousel, and after parting ways with Ron Rivera, the Washington Commanders are one of several teams in search of a new face on the sidelines.

Plenty of options are out there. Which ones would be good fits in Washington? Let's take a look.

Ben Johnson (Detroit Lions OC)

Johnson has been considered the hottest young coaching prospect throughout much of the 2023 season, an offensive mind who has done wonders for the Detroit Lions as their coordinator. Detroit ranked third in the NFL in yards per game and fifth in points.

Lack of experience may be a detriment for Johnson, who at 37 has never been a head coach and has only been an offensive coordinator for two years. However, he fits the mold of the type of hire that has been the most successful for NFL teams recently, such as the Dolphins with Mike McDaniel and the Colts with Shane Steichen.

Conclusion: Yes, Washington should pursue Johnson.

Mike Vrabel (Former Tennessee Titans HC)

When the Titans made the perplexing decision to cut ties with Vrabel, he immediately became one of the hottest candidates on the market. In six years in Tennessee, all Vrabel did was overachieve, making the playoffs in three straight seasons between 2019 and 2021 despite never having a true franchise QB.

Vrabel should be a fantastic hire for whoever gets him. However, after moving on from Rivera, it would be understandable if the Commanders want to look in a different direction than a defensive-minded veteran coach who may not be best suited to pair with a QB of the future.

Conclusion: No.

Jim Harbaugh (Michigan Wolverines HC)

Though Vrabel and most other former NFL HCs may be seen as retreads by Washington, an exception can be made here. Jim Harbaugh is a winner, plain and simple, and after leading his alma mater of Michigan to a national championship, he has nothing left to prove in the college game. 

If Harbaugh is ever going to return to the NFL -- where he previously took the San Francisco 49ers to an appearance in Super Bowl XLVII -- then this would be the year. And if Josh Harris and company want to make a big splash with a big name, then he's the guy. Offer Harbaugh a blank check and see if he's willing to take it.

Conclusion: Yes.

Eric Bieniemy (Washington Commanders OC)

When Bieniemy accepted Washington's offensive coordinator position for the 2023 season, he was believed to be a potential head coach-in-waiting behind Rivera. However, it's safe to say he failed his audition with flying colors.

After a promising start, Bieniemy's offense regressed throughout the season, finishing 25th in points per game and 24th in yards. He struggled to utilize star weapons such as Terry McLaurin, and worse yet, it seemed that there was some disconnect between him and his players, creating friction in the team clubhouse.

Before the season, it was seen as a massive injustice that Bieniemy was not a head coach, with many suggesting his past legal issues and even racial bias for why he was being held back. As it turns out, life isn't as easy when you aren't working for Andy Reid and your QB isn't Patrick Mahomes.

Conclusion: A firm no.

Bobby Slowik (Houston Texans OC)

Slowik would be the ideal choice for Washington's gig, and this has been the case for months -- primarily because he is a descendant of the Mike Shanahan coaching tree, which is batting a perfect 1.000 in terms of future head coach success rate.

Furthermore, unlike Sean McVay, Kyle Shanahan, Matt LaFleur and Mike McDaniel, Slowik already has experience working on both sides of the ball. He was a defensive assistant when he was previously in Washington between 2011 and 2013.

In 2023, Slowik helped turn the Houston Texans from one of the league's worst teams into a playoff squad, ranking 12th in yards per game and 14th in points. Houston was seventh in passing yards alone, giving off the indication that he would be a great fit for a young signal caller.

All trends indicate that Slowik will be a home run hire for whoever lands him. The only question is whether or not he could use another year as an OC before making the jump to head coach.

Conclusion: Absolutely yes.