WASHINGTON — Commanders owner Josh Harris has hired two executives to help in his search for new team leadership following the announcement that Ron Rivera has been relieved of duties as of Monday morning.
The team confirms with WUSA9 that Bob Myers and Rick Spielman will help in the search. Myers is a former General Manager for the Golden State Warriors. Spielman is a former General Manager for the Minnesota Vikings.
Myers helped lead the Warriors to four championships in the NBA and is currently an analyst at ESPN. Spielman has been a front-office executive in the NFL for 30 years. Myers will take a lead role in identifying candidates and coordinating interviews for those candidates. The search will begin immediately, the team confirms.
"To deliver upon our ultimate goal of becoming an elite franchise and consistently competing for the Super Bowl, there is a lot to do and first we must establish a strong organizational infrastructure led by the industry's best and most talented individuals," Harris said.
Myers said his close relationship with Harris is what drew him to the position of leading the search.
"I have been fortunate to know Josh Harris for many years, and his commitment to building a championship-caliber teams is what drew me here. In my experience, championship infrastructure begins with a strong ownership group that prioritizes culture and invests in attracting the industry's most talented and innovative leaders," Myers said.
"In speaking with Josh and his team, it's clear they will do everything it takes to build out a world-class organization — one that can win on the field and make a positive mark in the DMV community. This is the type of opportunity that really inspires me, and I look forward to contributing to the next chapter of this stories franchise."
The Washington Commanders confirmed to WUSA9 first that they parted ways with Ron Rivera after four seasons as head coach. A press conference is scheduled for 1 p.m. with the owner.
Harris, who bought the team for an NFL record $6.05 billion in May, has a close relationship with Myers and will be closely involved in the search. Harris replaced Dan Snyder, who owned the team for 24 years amid much controversy.
"This is a crucial offseason for the Commanders, and we continue to be motivated and inspired by the way the fans have responded since we took ownership last summer," Harris said. "Stewarding this franchise is a responsibility we don't take lightly and we're eager to lay the foundation for the next chapter of Commanders football."
Whoever takes over as head coach will come in with a No. 2 overall draft pick in 2024, in a quarterback-rich draft class.
Spielman said he was excited to be a part of the search process.
"I know how much this franchise means to Josh and how motivated he is to re-establish a culture of winning. Josh and his partners are willing to invest the time, energy and resources to build this franchise the right way — without cutting corners — and that is critical as you approach an important offseason like the one in front of us," Spielman said.
The team also confirmed general manager Martin Mayhew and Executive Vice President of Payer Personnel, Marty Hurney, will remain on staff through the search process.