Sports
Commanders fire Ron Rivera after 4 seasons: reports
The Washington Commanders fired head coach Ron Rivera on Monday as he became the second to be dismissed in the first few hours of the offseason, according to multiple reports.
Rivera took over as the Commanders’ head coach in 2020 after he spent nine years with the Carolina Panthers. He was 26-40-1 with Washington and only led the team to the playoffs once.
Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera walks the field before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at FedExField on January 07, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
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 Josh Harris bought the team from Snyder.
It’s 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.
RAVENS, 49ERS FINISH ON TOP OF NFL AS PLAYOFF PICTURE BECOMES CRYSTAL CLEAR
Head coach Ron Rivera of the Washington Commanders takes the field before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at FedExField on December 31, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
In Rivera’s final season, the team finished 4-13 – one of the worst records in the NFL. But 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.
Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (93) fist bumps head coach Ron Rivera prior to action against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on December 17, 2023. (Jonathan Newton/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
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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