When you have a disappointing season, changes could be made in the offseason. It didn’t take long for the Washington Commanders to make changes as they fired head coach Ron Rivera on Monday.
"Today, we made the decision to part ways with Ron Rivera. I want to thank Ron and his wife Stephanie for all they did for the Commanders and DMV community, especially during the ownership transition," Commanders owner 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."
Rivera joined the Commanders in 2000. This season, he led the Commanders to a 4-13 record, the worst in his four-year tenure, and finished last in the NFC East. In four seasons with Washington, he had a 26-40-1 record, made the playoffs once, and won the NFC East title in his first year with the team.
“I want every Washington fan to know how much I appreciate your unwavering support," Rivera said in a statement. “Through all the name changes, roster moves, non-football headlines, and seasons that did not meet your expectations, you still stood by this team. We did win an NFC East title in 2020, but we fell short since then, and for that, I am truly disappointed. You are loyal, passionate fans, and I only see good things ahead for you all.”
Washington owner Harris has hired former Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman and former Golden State Warriors GM Bob Myers to help his ownership group search for a new head coach and a new head of football operations. Current Commanders GM Martin Mayhew and executive VP of football/player personnel Marty Hurney will remain on staff, and their future with the team will be decided by the new head coach and the new head of football operations, according to ESPN.
So, who will be Washington’s new head coach? According to Tom Pelissero, the Commanders have requested interviews with Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, and Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris. Bill Belichick could also be a possibility if the New England Patriots fire him and he doesn’t retire. Another possibility is Arthur Smith, who the Atlanta Falcons fired late Sunday night.
(Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
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