The inevitable hammer finally dropped on Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera on Monday morning as the organization decided to fire the 62-year-old after four disappointing seasons with the franchise.
There has been speculation since 2022 about the future of Commanders head coach Ron Rivera. After being hired to bring the team back to prominence four years ago, the former Carolina Panthers head coach consistently had trouble getting the team over the hump and into the playoffs during his first three years leading the team.
The expectation always was that this would be a make-or-break year for him since the franchise had a new ownership group that was looking for far better results right away. Unfortunately, in 2023 Rivera delivered his worst season with the franchise as Washington ended their campaign on Sunday with a 4-13 record, which tied them for the second-worst in the league.
Unsurprisingly, owner Josh Harris pulled the trigger on what was long expected, and ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter was one of the first to report that the organization informed Rivera that his services were no longer needed on “Black Monday” 2024.
Former Golden State Warriors GM Bob Myers to help Washington Commanders find next head coach
Yet what makes the news even more interesting is the revelation that came afterward. That being Harris will be getting assistance from former Golden State Warriors general manager Bob Myers, and former Minnesota Vikings GM Rick Spielman in the search for a new head coach and head of football operations.
Spielman being involved is unexpected but makes sense. However, the former NBA executive who helped the Warriors win multiple titles is an unusual decision and evidence that the new owner will be taking a very different approach to how he runs his organization.
Related: 5 Washington Commanders coaching candidates after Ron Rivera fired, including Jim Harbaugh
If the New England Patriots decide to cut ties with legendary head coach Bill Belichick, he is expected to be a favorite to replace Rivera, along with Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
Rivera ended his Washington Commanders tenure with a 26-40-1 record over four seasons without a trip to the NFL playoffs.