Call it a double-whammy, if you may. The Washington Commanders lost its defensive back coach and a candidate for its offensive coordinator opening to the Tennessee Titans.
The Titans announced Tuesday they hired Chris Harris as its defensive pass game coordinator and cornerbacks coach. Harris spent the past three seasons as the Commanders defensive back coach.
Before coming to Washington in 2020, Harris spent four seasons as the Los Angeles Chargers assistant defensive backs coach. He also was a defensive quality coach for two seasons with the Chicago Bears.
In Washington, Harris was instrumental in the development of safeties Kamren Curl, Darrick Forrest, and cornerback Benjamin St-Juste. Harris gets credited for getting veterans Kendall Fuller and Bobby McCain back on track.
It was reported weeks ago that Tennessee planned to hire Harris. Yet, Harris interviewed for the San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator position which went to Steve Wilks. Harris also was considered for a defensive coach role with the Bears.
Meanwhile, the Titans named Charles London as the pass game coordinator on offense and their quarterbacks coach. London was with the Atlanta Falcons as their quarterbacks coach for the last two seasons. However, London is one of six candidates to interview for the Commanders’ offensive coordinator opening.
London had the best of both worlds in Atlanta. In 2021, he coached the savvy veteran Matt Ryan, a traditional pocket passer. Last season, London coached up the dual-threat Marcus Mariota in a run-heavy offense.
London was elevated to offensive coordinator for the American Team in last weekend’s Senior Bowl. He interviewed with the Commanders on Jan. 19 for an offensive coordinator. It’s unclear where he stood in the pecking order of the six candidates.
However, Washington presumably is waiting to interview Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy after Kansas City plays in Sunday’s Super Bowl LVII. Bieniemy is considered the favorite for the Washington opening. Ultimately, London has moved on to Tennessee.
Both Harris and London are relatively unknown to the casual football fan. But the two are considered rising stars around the league. The two will take the opportunity to step up and build on their resume under head coach Mike Vrabel.
How well Chris Harris and Charles London do in Music City will shape whether or not the Commanders missed out.
