The Washington Commanders are moving on from head coach Ron Rivera a day after the team finished a 4-13 season. Rivera compiled a 26-40-1 record in four seasons with the organization and was fired after months of speculation that Washington would find a new coach at the end of this season.
“Today we made the decision to part ways with Ron Rivera…Ron has helped this organization through difficult times. He is a good man and a caring leader who has contributed positively to this organization and to the NFL,” Harris said in a statement. statement.
Owner Josh Harris will bring in the experience of former Golden State Warriors general manager Bob Myers and former Minnesota Vikings general manager and current co-host of ‘With the first choice‘, a CBS Sports podcast, Rick Spielman to help in the search for a new head of football operations and head coach. Former Lakers guard Magic Johnson, 76ers co-manager David Blitzer and Commanders sponsor Mitchell Rales will also be involved.
“To achieve our ultimate goal of becoming an elite franchise and consistently competing for the Super Bowl, there is much to do and we must first establish a strong organizational infrastructure led by the best and most talented individuals in the industry. “industry. As such, we will conduct an extensive search process to ensure we find the right candidates to move this franchise forward. I consider these decisions to be among the most critical I make for the franchise – attracting talent exceptional people, empower them to lead and hold them accountable. I look forward to being fully involved throughout this process,” Harris said.
This is the second time Rivera has been fired in the second year of owning a franchise. Carolina owner David Tepper severed ties with the coach in 2019 after purchasing the team a year earlier.
Rivera spent six seasons as defensive coordinator with the Bears and Chargers before getting his first opportunity to become a head coach in 2011; becoming the third Latino head coach in NFL history.
Carolina went to the Super Bowl with the No. 1 overall selection, Cam Newton, leading his team. Denver and legendary quarterback Peyton Manning defeated their opponent 24-10. It was the first meeting between head coaches who had previously been to a Super Bowl. Rivera led the Panthers to a 76-63-1 record over nine seasons.
Adversity defined his first season as head coach in the nation’s capital. The country was going through the COVID-19 pandemic while undergoing treatment for cancer. He missed only three practices and led Washington to the NFC East title that year. The 62-year-old is cancer-free.
As a player, Rivera was a second-round draft pick of the Bears in 1984 and was a member of the 1985 team that won Super Bowl XX.
Washington currently holds the second overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, giving the team a prime opportunity to either replace starting quarterback Sam Howell or trade the pick for a massive draft selection. The Commanders are also expected to have the most salary cap space available this offseason at nearly $85.3 million. Owner Josh Harris has enough resources to attract a top candidate.
