The Washington Commanders were busy on Thursday evening. In addition to officially announcing their undrafted rookie free-agent class, general manager Adam Peters made a big hire in his front office. The Commanders are hiring Ryan Kessenich as their new director of college scouting, per Neil Stratton.
Kessenich replaces Tim Gribble, who left the organization in January to accept a similar position with the Pittsburgh Steelers. A Pittsburgh native, Gribble spent the past 24 seasons with Washington, but was with the Steelers early in his scouting career.
Kessenich comes to Washington from the San Francisco 49ers, where he served as an area scout. Kessenich is familiar with Washington, having previously worked in the front office before stints with the Chiefs, Bears, 49ers, Northwestern University and the Senior Bowl. Kessenich began his scouting career with the Redskins as a pro scouting assistant in 2005.
Another experienced #NFL scout got good news this wk. Ryan Kessenich, a 20-yr vet of evaluation, joins the #Commanders as Dir of College Scouting. Kessenich returns to his roots; he started in WASH before stints w/the #Chiefs, #Bears & #49ers, @NUFBFamily (2 terms) & @seniorbowl.
— Neil Stratton (@InsideTheLeague) May 7, 2026
Kessenich has been with San Francisco since 2019, working with Peters from 2019-23, before Peters departed for the Commanders.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders hire new director of college scouting
