The Washington Commanders have started cleaning house.
Following another disappointing divisional loss and after allowing 45 points, the team decided to fire DC Jack Del Rio and DB coach Brent Vieselmeyer.
New team owner Josh Harris shared a statement in which he reaffirmed his commitment to getting past all the hurdles to make the Commanders one of the best teams in the league, adding that it was HC Ron Rivera who suggested these changes.
Harris vowed to leave no stone unturned in his pursuit of greatness, stating that the fans deserve a team that can compete defensively with the best in the league (via John Keim).
From Owner Josh Harris: pic.twitter.com/uMjo97IsbS
— John Keim (@john_keim) November 24, 2023
The Commanders had alternated great defensive seasons with terrible ones under coach Del Rio, and they ranked dead last in several categories this season, including touchdowns, passing yards, and first downs allowed.
Also, the team allowed 30 points or more in seven of twelve games, including a 31-point performance by the New York Giants with undrafted rookie QB Tommy DeVito under center.
The Commanders traded Montez Sweat and Chase Young, so their defense was obviously going to take a hit.
Nonetheless, their defensive issues ran deeper than that, and while some could make a case for Rivera being actually responsible for their struggles, it was evident that something needed to change.
The Commanders are likely to make even more changes to its staff in the next weeks or months, and it wouldn’t be shocking to see coach Bieniemy as the next in the employment line.
NEXT:
Ron Rivera Shares His Honest Thoughts On Job Status