The Washington Commanders hired head coach Ron Rivera in 2020 with the intention of the well-respected leader providing stability for a troubled franchise. Under new ownership three years later, it appears Rivera’s status with the Commanders is now uncertain.
Rivera, age 61, was hired by Washington in January 2020, less than a month after being fired as Carolina Panthers head coach. He went 7-9 in his first season, helping the Commanders sneak into the NFL playoffs.
- Ron Rivera coaching record: 24-30-1 with Washington Commanders
After a strong start with Washington, though, things have started spiraling downward for the Commanders. Washington hasn’t recorded a winning season in the last two years and at 2-3 entering Week 6, it’s on pace for a third consecutive year without a playoff appearance.
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With the franchise now under new ownership, which has already begun making sweeping changes to the franchise, Rivera’s long-term future in Washington has been an open question in the NFL.
In his latest mailbag for Sports Illustrated, NFL insider Albert Breer addressed Rivera’s job security in Washington and the likelihood of an in-season coaching change.
“I think, at this point, the Commanders will stick with the current coaching staff through the season, then reassess. That said, and this goes for all teams, there are a few reasons why you’d make the decision in-season to pull the plug on your coach that actually make sense.”
Albert Breer on the job security of Washington Commanders coach Ron Rivera
Breer went on to explain how a broken team culture is one of the primary reasons why a head coach is fired in-season. He also pointed to an organization’s interest in providing a prospective coaching candidate with an interim opportunity could be appealing.
In theory, Washington could fire Rivera and promote offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy to interim head coach. It would provide him his first opportunity to be an NFL head coach and depending on how the Commanders’ offense performed, he could be favored to keep the job.
For now, Rivera is safe as the Commanders’ head coach as is defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio. However, with a 36-46 record since the 2018 season, it’s possible another losing year from Rivera will result in him being fired after Week 18.