Martin

Mayhew

Pelissero noted that major changes beyond canning Rivera are likely on the way. Washington hired Martin Mayhew as their general manager in 2021, but he is likely on the way out as well. The Commanders franchise was bought by an investment group led by billionaire Josh Harris, who also owns the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils, during the season. Naturally, Harris will want to bring in his own choice at general manager who will in turn want his staff to fill out the coaching ranks. Rivera has been with the Commanders since 2020 and has yet to get the team to a winning record. At 4-11 this year, his fate is all but decided.

Commanders GM Martin Mayhew has been trying to get an upgrade at quarterback in Washington for quite some time, but the swings and misses are piling up after failing to land Matthew Stafford last year and Wilson this time around. With Wilson going to Denver and Aaron Rodgers sticking in Green Bay, pickings are looking slim for a team desperate for a new signal-caller. Perhaps the Commanders will look to Jimmy Garoppolo or Carson Wentz, but those are clear and obvious downgrades from Stafford and Wilson.

King will be the NFL’s first-ever full-time assistant coach. She spent 2020 as a full-time intern for the Football Team, working with running backs coach Randy Jordan in coaching Antonio Gibson, J.D. McKissic, and Peyton Barber. King, an intern for two years under Ron Rivera when he was in Carolina, played for three women’s football teams from 2006-2019 and coached Johnson & Wales University Charlotte women’s basketball to a USCAA Division II national championship. The Football Team -- once excoriated for its lack of diversity, possible violation of the Rooney Rule, offensive team name, and hostility to women in the organization -- now boasts the most progressive hiring practices of any NFL team. Rivera is the third Latino head coach in league history, Martin Mayhew is one of only five black general managers in the NFL, and Jason Wright -- who is black -- serves as team president.

The Football Team was reportedly “close” to hiring twice-fired Panthers GM Marty Hurney as its new personnel boss, but it is ex-Lions GM Mayhew who is coming away with the top job. Hurney will still be joining the Football Team’s front office in some capacity. Mayhew is now over half a decade removed from leading a franchise, but he was far and away the best Lions general manager of the 21st century, building their only playoff cores following their 0-16 bottom out in 2008. He has also been a critical cog in the 49ers’ recent turnaround. If you are going to hop on the retread train, Mayhew is about as good of a “second chance” candidate as you are going to get. Stability never lasts for long in Washington’s Daniel Snyder-dominated front office, but Mayhew is the sort of hire Snyder has rarely made.

As are ex-Lions GM/current 49ers exec Martin Mayhew and Titans vice president of player personnel Ryan Cowden. The Football Team operated without a general manager in 2020. As coach Ron Rivera continues to assert his power, it would make sense for him to reunite with his longtime ex-Panthers boss Hurney. Of course, just because it “makes sense” doesn’t mean it would be the best move. Hurney is an average, at best, general manager. The Football Team still seems miles away from a power structure that actually makes sense.

The Lions’ GM from 2008-15, Mayhew has been promoted to the 49ers’ vice president of player personnel since joining the front office in 2017. Reportedly respected across the league, Mayhew is a candidate to get another shot at a general manager job. Mayhew interviewed for the Panthers GM vacancy last season.

The Lions’ GM from 2008-15, Mayhew has been in the 49ers’ front office since 2017. He is one of GM John Lynch’s top lieutenants. Mayhew interviewed for the Panthers’ GM vacancy last winter.

The ex-Lions GM spent 2016 with the Giants as “director of football operations/special projects.” He’s an experienced hand for neophyte John Lynch. Mayhew spent seven years GMing the Lions, generally compiling a decent roster.

There has been no word on the status of coach Jim Caldwell, who is also on the hot seat. Mayhew took over GM duties during the Lions’ 0-16 2008 campaign. He drafted Matthew Stafford as the first overall pick in 2009 and landed Ndamukong Suh in the first round a year later. Mayhew’s more recent selections, such as Kyle Van Noy in the second round a year ago and Darius Slay in 2013, have not fared as well, and the departure of Suh and 2011 first-round pick Nick Fairley in free agency this offseason left the defense lacking talent. Despite the struggles this year, the Lions made the playoffs twice in Mayhew’s tenure, the only two playoff berths for the franchise since 1999. With the man who drafted him now out of the picture, Stafford’s future with the team is uncertain. He is owed a $17 million base salary next season, and Detroit could save $11.5 million against the 2016 cap by moving him.

Mayhew left without getting the job. If nothing else, he’ll satisfy the Rooney Rule. The Titans are also scheduled to interview Bucs director of player personnel Jon Robinson and Jaguars director of personnel Chris Polian.