Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera met with the media Tuesday at the NFL combine and discussed several topics. One important topic is the head athletic trainer. Rivera said the team has interviewed four candidates — all with NFL experience — and is close to deciding on a new trainer.
The Commanders are in this position because previous head trainer Ryan Vermillion remains under investigation after being placed on leave when the DEA raided team headquarters in October and Vermillion’s home. The investigation was unrelated to the team.
With the combine this week, the Commanders would ideally have had a new trainer in place for all of the medical checks on draft prospects in Indianapolis. Mark McCracken filled the role on an interim basis after Vermillion was placed on leave.
McCracken’s staff was filled with interns who helped each week. The Commanders also brought in legendary former Washington trainer Bubba Tyer and former Washington Capitals trainer Greg Smith to help out during a trying season.
Of the four candidates, two are currently in the NCAA but have NFL experience.
“We have four candidates,” Rivera said. “We’ve brought them in and talked with them. We’ve interviewed everybody.”
This is an important hire for Rivera after the Vermillion fiasco. Vermillion followed Rivera to Washington from Carolina.
LIVE: Coach Rivera speaks to the media from the NFL Combine https://t.co/bW2XnBNU71
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) March 1, 2022
