WASHINGTON — A new chapter for the Washington Commanders has begun, following the exit of Ron Rivera as the team's head coach and head of football operations. Now, Josh Harris and his ownership partners begin the search for his replacement. Aiding in the search is former Golden State Warriors General Manager and president Bob Myers.
When asked why Harris chose to bring Myers — whose experience centers around the NBA — into the Commanders organization, his answer was simple.
“Bob Myers is a winner: Who wouldn’t want him on your team trying to help your franchise?” said Harris, who got to know Myers from his time owning the Philadelphia 76ers. “He knows how to identify talent. He knows how to build winning franchises, winning cultures.”
Myers left the Golden State Warriors in May 2023 after building a championship team that captured four titles in an eight-year span and reached five straight NBA Finals from 2015-19. Myers is one of the most successful GM's over the past decade in any sport, and was named the NBA's Executive of the Year twice.
The 48-year-old Myers grew up in suburban Danville going to Warriors games for his birthday, played basketball at UCLA and learned key skills on the other side of the business when he became a sports agent. Warriors owner Joe Lacob hired him in 2011 to be Golden State’s assistant general manager. He was promoted a year later to replace GM Larry Riley, and he quickly asserted himself as one of basketball’s brightest minds.
After becoming GM in 2012, Myers constructed the roster that won the 2015 championship for the franchise’s first title in 40 years.
“In speaking with Josh and his team, it's clear they will do everything it takes to build a world-class organization,” Myers said. “This is the type of opportunity that really inspires me, and I look forward to contributing to the next chapter of this storied franchise.”
The team has not publicized a list of potential coaching candidates, but among those believed to be in consideration is University of Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, who just led Big Blue to a National Championship win and an undefeated season.
“I don’t think we want to get into specifics around the process, but we’ve been thinking about who the best candidates are,” Harris said said at a news conference Monday. “And I think it’s an attractive destination.”