WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Washington Commanders have decided to part ways with head coach Ron Rivera following the team's 4-13 season. Rivera, who served for four seasons, achieved a record of 26-40-1 during his tenure with the organization. The decision to terminate Rivera came after months of speculation regarding the team's intent to seek a new coach at the end of this season.
Josh Harris, the team's owner, expressed gratitude for Rivera's contributions and leadership, acknowledging his role in navigating the organization through challenging times. Harris emphasized the need to establish a robust organizational infrastructure, aiming to recruit the most talented individuals to lead the franchise toward becoming an elite team and consistently competing for the Super Bowl.
Harris announced the involvement of several figures in the search for a new head of football operations and head coach, including former Golden State Warriors general manager Bob Myers, Rick Spielman (former Minnesota Vikings general manager and co-host of 'With the First Pick,' a CBS Sports podcast), Magic Johnson (former Lakers guard), David Blitzer (76ers co-managing partner), and Commanders limited partner Mitchell Rales.
This is the second time Rivera has been fired during the second year of a franchise's new ownership, with the first instance occurring in 2019 under Carolina owner David Tepper after he purchased the team a year earlier.
Rivera's coaching career started after six seasons as a defensive coordinator with the Bears and Chargers. His nine-season tenure with the Carolina Panthers saw a Super Bowl appearance during the 2015 season, led by quarterback Cam Newton. The Panthers faced the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50, ultimately falling short in a 24-10 defeat.
Rivera faced significant adversity during his initial season as the Commanders' head coach, battling cancer amid the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he led Washington to an NFC East title, showcasing resilience and determination. Rivera, 62, is now cancer-free.
As a player, Rivera was a second-round draft pick for the Bears in 1984 and was part of the team that won Super Bowl XX in 1985.
Looking ahead, Washington holds the No. 2 overall selection in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft, presenting an opportunity to either secure a new starting quarterback or trade the pick for multiple draft assets. The Commanders are also anticipated to have the most available salary cap space this offseason, approximately $85.3 million, providing ample resources to attract top-tier candidates for the coaching position.
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