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Commanders hire 49ers scout for high-profile role

Originally posted on 49ers Webzone | By David Bonilla | Last updated May 7, 2026 8:16 PM ET

The Washington Commanders are hiring San Francisco 49ers area scout Ryan Kessenich as their new director of college scouting, according to Ben Standig.

Sources: The Commanders are hiring Ryan Kessenich as their new director of college scouting.
Kessenich begin his career as a scouting assistant with Washington. Most recently w/ 49ers, overlapping with GM Adam Peters. He replaces Tim Gribble, who joined the Steelers earlier this…
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) May 7, 2026

Kessenich brings extensive NFL scouting experience, beginning his career with Washington in 2005. He has also held scouting roles with the Chicago Bears and the Kansas City Chiefs, as well as two stints at Northwestern University, including a 2018 consulting role with the program.

Before joining the 49ers, Kessenich spent one year as a scout for the Senior Bowl. He then joined San Francisco in 2019, where he worked within the organization's scouting department alongside then-executive Adam Peters, who is now the Commanders' general manager.

With this move, Kessenich replaces Tim Gribble as Washington's director of college scouting.

This article first appeared on 49ers Webzone and was syndicated with permission.

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