In an expedited search for a new head of football operations, the Washington Commanders have reached a significant milestone by narrowing down their list of potential candidates to two individuals. Adam Peters and Ian Cunningham emerged as the top contenders after a series of first-round interviews conducted in Miami, according to sources familiar with the decision.

The Commanders wasted no time in their pursuit of a new primary football executive following the dismissal of coach Ron Rivera. Interview requests were sent out on Monday, with the team commencing interviews at owner Josh Harris' Miami home offices on Tuesday.

The swift hiring process aims to have the top executive in place promptly, allowing for their input during the recruitment of the next head coach and the formation of the coaching staff. Sources knowledgeable about the interviews revealed that the team could finalize their selection within the next week or so.

In the initial round of interviews, three candidates, Mike Borgonzi, Glenn Cook, and Adam Peters, shared their expertise and vision with the Commanders on Tuesday. The following day, Ian Cunningham and Alec Halaby had their chance to impress in their first-round interviews.

According to insiders, each candidate met individually with Rick Spielman for an extensive discussion before engaging with Bob Myers and Josh Harris. With the first-round interviews concluding on Wednesday night, Peters and Cunningham are expected to move forward to the next stage, conducting interviews with Commanders limited partners Mitch Rales, Magic Johnson, and David Blitzer later this week.

While the possible inclusion of Will McClay in the interview process is still uncertain, the Commanders have compiled an impressive list of candidates who bring diverse experiences and backgrounds to the table. Adam Peters, currently serving as the San Francisco 49ers assistant GM, is highly regarded and anticipated to be a top candidate in the 2024 hiring cycle.

Ian Cunningham, the Chicago Bears assistant GM, boasts a rich personnel and scouting background, with ties to the DMV area through his father's sports agency that represented renowned athletes like Michael Jordan and Arthur Ashe.

The Commanders' meticulous and expeditious search signals their determination to strengthen their football operations quickly. As the team progresses in their selection process, they aim to secure the ideal candidate who can not only contribute to the selection of the head coach but also aid in making strategic football decisions for the franchise's future.

Stay tuned for future updates as the Washington Commanders move closer to filling the crucial role of head of football operations in their quest for continued success.