Old ownership is leaving; the new will come in. Thus, defensive backs coach Chris Harris is departing.
The pending departure of Harris is significant. Harris, who completed his third season as Washington’s defensive backs coach, sees the handwriting on the wall.
Realizing Head Coach Ron Rivera has won 7, 7, and 8 games in his three seasons, if Rivera does not win big next season, he is most likely going to be replaced by the new ownership.
Consequently, Chris Harris is being proactive in looking and searching for a job now. Prior to coming to Washington in 2020, Harris served as the Chargers assistant secondary coach from 2016-19.
The Bears and Titans both have sought out Harris, and seeing Washington’s secondary had a much better year in 2022, the timing is good for Harris to seek a job with a bit more security for the next few seasons.
There is also speculation Harris may get some defensive coordinator interviews this cycle. All of this would be beneficial for Harris in his coaching career.
With the Washington situation unstable, this would most likely mean the Commanders will not be having top secondary coaches knocking down their doors for interviews this month.
They may have to replace Harris from within the existing staff. However, there is experience on the staff in this area that could really help the Commanders at this time.
Richard Rodgers (assistant defensive backs) has coached in the NFL for ten seasons. Brent Vieselmeyer (assistant defensive backs/nickel) has six years of NFL coaching experience and defensive quality control coach Cristian Garcia might perhaps be ready to move up to an assistant role.
One outside name that may come available might be Steve Wilks. Wilks was the Cardinals head coach (2018) and coaches six seasons for the Carolina Panthers when Rivera was the head coach. Understandably, Wilks is said to be seeking out defensive coordinator positions initially.
