The Washington Commanders have fired Head Coach Ron Rivera after four seasons. Rivera joined Washington in 2020 when the franchise began their rebranding from the ‘Washington Redskins’. He replaced interim Head Coach Bill Callahan, who took over from Head Coach Jay Gruden.
Sources: The #Commanders are moving on from coach Ron Rivera after four seasons, as owner Josh Harris informed him of his fate just now. Washington heads in a new direction.
The expected move now official. pic.twitter.com/q7gIPHO3ZT— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 8, 2024
Previously, Rivera was the Head Coach of the Carolina Panthers. He was also the Defensive Coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers (then San Diego) and Chicago Bears. Rivera started his NFL coaching career as the Linebackers Coach for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Washington Commanders Fire Ron Rivera
Expectations for Rivera’s Commanders were middling heading into 2023. Rivera had led Washington to their best record under his tutelage at 8-8-1 in 2022. The team’s defense was a particular bright spot with youth, potential and talent, especially on the defensive line.
Offensively, Washington fans were encouraged by the ambitious hire of Offensive Coordinator Eric Bieniemy, formerly of the Kansas City Chiefs. Bieniemy inherited some exciting offensive weapons, including Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, Brian Robinson Jr. and many were even excited by Antonio Gibson’s prospects.
However, the big question surrounding the season was at quarterback as sophomore fifth-round quarterback Sam Howell was named the full-time starter. Although Howell posted some impressive numbers this year, his inconsistency ultimately limited Washington’s success. Rivera leaves Washington having started eight different quarterbacks over four seasons.
Prior to Howell in 2023, Rivera leant on Taylor Heinicke and Carson Wentz as his starting quarterbacks in 2022. While the team posted a perfect .500 record and improved from 2021 (and 2020), Washington’s current situation seems much more inclined towards a soft rebuild than playoff contention.
In four seasons in Washington, Rivera never managed a winning record. He did, however, win the NFC East in 2020 with a 7-9 record. In that game, Rivera’s side (led by Heinicke) came close to overcoming the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who were eventually crowned Super Bowl champions.
That was Washington’s first playoff appearance since 2015. However, Rivera failed to lead the Commanders to another playoff appearance between 2021 and 2023.
Main Photo: Brad Mills – USA Today Sports
