The Washington Commanders 2022 season started with so much hope, optimism and just plain good feelings. After the success of winning the first game against the Jaguars all that hope and optimism quickly evaporated like water on a hot sidewalk. Fans were left with all the warts and deep seeded flaws that have persisted in Ron Rivera's tenure. In year 3 those flaws and the continuous poor decision making by coaches somehow seem worse now. Did we regress? It might be too early to know for sure if we are stuck with these problems or if the coaching staff can turn things around.
What I do know is that in your professional life it is always good practice to be aware of emerging trends that can affect your work and new opportunities that can help grow your business. It's also important to know about potential rising star candidates within your industry that can help you down the road. In football it's highly important to know about potential new coaching candidates who can help lead your football team to heights unseen by this era of Commanders's fans.
With that said, here is my list of the top upcoming Head Coaching Candidates that should be on the Commanders wish list.
Ejiro Evero - Broncos DC
Ejiro Evero isn't a name most people know but they should. A former player whose career never garnered much attention now has a coaching career that is catching the eye of many leagues executives looking for the next Sean McVay. Since rejoining the league in 2011 as a quality control coach with the 49ers, Ejiro has quickly ascended the coaching ranks with his strong work ethic and attention to detail. Most notably he was the safeties coach with the Los Angeles Rams from 2017-2021. There he helped to establish one of the better secondaries in the league also taking on the responsibility of defensive pass game coordinator for the 2021 season during which the Rams won the Super Bowl. For his hard work Evero was named Broncos Defensive Coodinator in 2022. His defense has been excellent so far and is regarded as one of the better in the league. Ejiro is one of the next wave of innovative young coaches. He will be a head coach sooner rather than later.
Byron Leftwich - Bucs OC
Byron Leftwich the former #7 overall pick of the 2003 draft has been a hot name for potential head coaching opportunities the last couple of hiring cycles. His work as offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Bucanners for the past four years has been exceptional. Leftwich has been able to build one of the better offenses in the NFL and all while managing one of the games best and most demanding players Tom Brady. Tom, widely known as the GOAT of quarterbacks is a highly detailed player and expects a lot out of his coaching staff. The fact that Brady and Leftwich have gotten along together is a major positive for the offensive coordinator that he is able to manage/cultivate relationships with top superstar talent. With Leftwich's help Brady has been able to have some of his best production late in his career. Leftwich has an excellent coaching resume but he also understands how to handle the pressure of the NFL from being a 1st round QB and face of the franchise to a super bowl winning offensive coordinator. He is a head coach. He just needs the opportunity.
Ken Dorsey - Bills OC
He has a very insurance salesman sounding name but rest assured Ken Dorsey is all football through and through. If his name sounds familiar, that's because it should. Ken Dorsey was a very accomplished collegiate quartback who won numerous awards for his stellar play. Dorsey is most known for quartbacking the 2001 BCS National Champions University of Miami Football Team. That team is widely considered one of the best and most talented teams of all time. Dorsey's NFL coaching journey began under our very own Ron Rivera as he started as a Pro Scout for the Panthers in (2011-2012). From there he was quickly elevated to Quarterbacks Coach in (2013-2017). He gained a specific skill set working with highly athletic quarterbacks like Cam Newton and helping him maximize all of his abilities. His work in Carolina earned him a job with the Buffalo Bills. There he held several positions most notably becoming Offensive Coordinator in 2022 while helping another highly athletic quarterback in Josh Allen maximize his ability. Dorsey is an insanely detailed coach who gets the most out of his QB's. It wouldn't surprise me if he is a head coach in 2023.
The remaining candidates below will definitely be getting the call for interviews come this off-season. They might not be as in-demand as the above coaches mentioned but they are certainly names to watch this hiring cycle.
Other Notable Head Coaching Candidates:
Demecco Ryan - 49ers DC
Shane Steichen - Eagles OC
Frank Smith - Dolphins OC
Ben Johnson - Lions OC
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