The Washington Commanders seem to have found their quarterback in Sam Howell and will now likely be looking to find a new head coach in the offseason.

Josh Harris and company purchased the Commanders in July and there was little time to make organizational changes before the season began. With the quarterback in place, the offense has excelled under Eric Bieniemy but the team continues to squander games due to poor coaching from Rivera.

There have been plenty of rumors surrounding Washington and its future on the sideline and there are some big names that should be getting attention.

Before we get into four candidates for the job, there are two names in college that have been floating around — Lincoln Riley and Jim Harbaugh. It seems unlikely that either of these names will leave their situations this year but it had to be mentioned. The other option is to promote Bieniemy, who is the offensive coordinator and assistant head coach in Washington and has played a major role in the development of Howell.

4. Dan Quinn 

Dan Quinn will likely get another chance as a head coach in the NFL after his stint as defensive coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys. With a young quarterback, Washington should be looking into offensive coaches but Quinn could be an option after how the defense has played this season. Quinn has helped transform Dallas’ defense into an elite group since joining the staff. Washington will be looking to retool its edges and improve its secondary heading into next season. Quinn’s scheme could be beneficial in many ways.

3. Bobby Slowik

There are some hot offensive coordinator names out there and Bobby Slowik is quickly climbing the ranks. He is familiar with Washington, having been on the staff under Mike Shanahan from 2011-13. The major difference is the ownership group is completely improved and it is a more intriguing place. Slowik is in his first season as the primary play-caller in his career. He previously worked in the passing game with the San Francisco 49ers. He has worked with CJ Stroud and helped the rookie turn into a perennial MVP candidate. There is another young quarterback in Washington with plenty of talent to work with as well.

2. Bill Belichick

Harris could be looking to make a splash early in his tenure as owner. If that splash is Bill Belichick, it will be interesting to see the reactions.

Belichick and the New England Patriots are going to part ways this offseason. He is chasing Don Shula’s record for most wins by a head coach all-time and will be looking for his new job. Washington has been linked to Belichick. This is probably due to the fact that he would take over complete control of the organization. There has been change in Washington and Belichick would complete the process.

The other benefit is that Bieniemy might agree to be retained. If Washington hires an offensive-minded head coach, it does not seem likely that he would work on the staff, especially being passed over. Instead, Bieniemy could look to work under an all-time head coach like he did in Kansas City with Andy Reid.

1. Ben Johnson

There is always one main candidate each year and Ben Johnson seems to be taking over that title early on. The Lions have built the offense through the line and with Jared Goff under center. Amon-Ra St. Brown is a legitimate No. 1 receiver and Sam LaPorta has developed quickly at tight end. Johnson will have plenty of offers this offseason from teams looking for a new coach. He is the type of offensive mind that Washington would benefit from, especially Howell. It is unknown if there will be interest from Johnson, or even Washington at this point, but he will have to be an option moving forward.