The Washington Commanders fired head coach Ron Rivera on Monday as he became the second head coach to be dismissed in the first few hours of the offseason, the team announced.
Rivera took over as the Commanders’ head coach in 2020 after spending nine years with the Carolina Panthers. He was 26-40-1 with Washington and only led the team to the playoffs once.
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“I want to thank Ron Rivera and his wife Stephanie for all they did for the Commanders and DMV community, especially during the ownership transition,” Commanders managing partner Josh Harris said in a statement. “Ron helped navigate this organization through some challenging times. He is a good man and thoughtful leader who has positively contributed to this organization and the NFL. I wish the Rivera family nothing but the best moving forward.”
Harris said former Golden State Warriors general manager Bob Meyers and Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman will help lead the search for a new head coach.
“This is a crucial offseason for the Commanders, and we continue to be motivated and inspired by the way the fans have responded since we took ownership last summer. Stewarding this franchise is a responsibility we don’t take lightly, and we’re eager to lay the foundation for the next chapter of Commanders football.”
Rivera was at the helm of the team when former team owner Daniel Snyder decided to drop the Washington Redskins name to become the Washington Football Team and then the Commanders. He was also at the helm when Harris bought the team from Snyder.
It is apparent Harris wants to start fresh for 2024 and beyond. Rumors have circulated over whether the team will go after Bill Belichick, should the legendary coach part ways with the New England Patriots.
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In Rivera’s final season, the team finished 4-13 – one of the worst records in the NFL. However, it allows Washington to have a high draft pick and possibly improve upon their future.
Washington finished 24th in yards gained and 25th in points scored.
Rivera’s dismissal came as the Atlanta Falcons parted ways with Arthur Smith. There are now five teams in need of a head coach for 2024 – the Commanders, Falcons, Panthers, Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers.
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