Ron Rivera’s coaching staff is about to experience another shake-up.
Defensive backs coach Chris Harris is expected to join the Tennessee Titans as their defensive pass game coordinator and cornerbacks coach, a source with knowledge of the situation said. The exit marks the second change to Rivera’s staff this offseason as the coach fired offensive coordinator Scott Turner.
Harris’ departure comes after he spent three seasons coaching Washington’s secondary — a group that has a number of promising stars, including cornerback Benjamin St-Juste and safeties Kam Curl and Darrick Forrest.
A strong communicator, Harris has seen his coaching stock on the rise in NFL circles. He has interviewed for several defensive coordinator openings, and the Titans will provide an opportunity for the 40-year-old to expand his responsibilities. Harris, a former safety who was coached by Rivera on the Chicago Bears, played eight years in the NFL.
If the Commanders fill Harris’ spot from within, Riviera could look to promote either Richard Rodgers Sr. or Brent Vieselmeyer — two assistant defensive backs coaches on staff.
Rodgers served as the Panthers’ secondary coach in 2018 and safeties coach in 2019 under Rivera. Vieselmeyer was the Raiders’ safeties coach in 2017 under Jack Del Rio, Washington’s current defensive coordinator.
The Commanders have yet to hire a new offensive coordinator. The team has interviewed at least three candidates: former Giants coach Pat Shurmur, Atlanta Falcons quarterbacks coach Charles London and Washington quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese. The Commanders also plan to interview Dolphins running backs coach Eric Studesville and Rams tight ends coach Thomas Brown for the role.
