The Washington Commanders going 8-9 and Sam Howell throwing for 4,000-plus yards is the scariest scenario possible.
A losing mark surely guarantees new coaches and management. And, this “coach-centric” malaise of the past four years shows why general manager and coach should be frenemies rather than pals.
Owner Josh Harris’ first move come season’s end is finding a rising general manager candidate. San Francisco assistant GM Adam Peters should be the first interview, followed by Los Angeles Chargers director of operations JoJo Wooden and Pittsburgh assistant GM Andy Weidl.
The general manager then picks a rising assistant coach. First, talk with Commanders offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, because maybe the answer is in-house. Then, interview Detroit offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Miami offensive coordinator Frank Smith, and Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. Yes, offensive coordinators are the only candidates in today’s NFL.
And then the coach decides Howell’s fate. It’s not a fair decision on many levels. If Howell throws for more than 4,000 yards without too many turnovers, the team should be grateful for finding a young passer.
But new coaches and GMs like to pick their own quarterback, thank you. They don’t like being tied to a failing regime’s choice. It’s not fair to Howell, but life’s not fair. Deal with it.
Oh, Howell remains because the team has him cheap for another two years. And, there’s nothing wrong with Howell. But that’s not how this works. Teams want a shiny first-round pick along with a new coach so they grow together and sell lots of tickets.
Now, the best first-round choice given the team will probably pick somewhere between 10 and 15 is offensive tackle. It would be too costly to move up for a passer and the team desperately needs help on the line.
But, quarterback or offensive tackle is the first-round choice. It doesn’t matter what great receiver, linebacker or secondary prospect is available. This team desperately needs one of those positions and there’s nothing wrong with drafting for need. GMs love saying they take the best player available, but that’s a lie to deflect criticism. Same goes for saying picks are a group choice. No, someone has to make the call. They just don’t want to admit a failure was their choice.
If Bieniemy is the next head coach, then he keeps Howell and finds an offensive tackle in the draft. Then again, Bieniemy brought offensive tackle Andrew Wylie with him from Kansas City and that hasn’t worked out too well. That’s why a general manager runs the draft independent of coaches, who have input but not final say.
Remember, Redskins general manager Bobby Beathard signed undrafted free agent Joe Jacoby without consulting coach Joe Gibbs. When Gibbs asked Beathard what he should do with Jacoby, Beathard said play him. Jacoby was part of three Super Bowl championships and should be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
There’s a clear path to reviving a team headed for another mediocre season – GM, then coach, then passer. They may or may not succeed, but it’s the best chance of doing so.
