Coach Ron Rivera Fired From Rebuilding Commanders

LANDOVER, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 09: Carson Wentz #11 of the Washington Commanders talks with head coach Ron Rivera during the first half against the Tennessee Titans at FedExField on October 09, 2022 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

Washington Commanders Head Coach Ron Rivera was fired on the morning of Monday sealing a 26-40-1 record over his four years on the job.

The Commanders ended their season with a 38-10 loss to the NFC East champion Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night. The organization didn’t hesitate to join the group of NFL teams in the head coaching carousel the next morning.

Rivera offered years of gratitude to players, coaches, fans and ownership in a statement released by the Commanders on X. His opening message reads, “I want every Washington fan to know how much I appreciate your unwavering support.”

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There is no doubt that Rivera and the Commanders have parted ways on good terms.

Commanders owner Josh Harris and GM Martin Mayhew have already hired former Golden State Warriors GM Bob Myers and former Minnesota Vikings GM Rick Spielman to assist in the search for a new head coach. Harris’ statement also recognized Mitch Rales, Magic Johnson and David Blitzer as part of a new advisory committee to help fill Rivera’s absence.

Harris spoke about Myers and Spielman in an ESPN report, who together have over 40 years of front-office experience.

“Bob Myers is a winner; who wouldn’t want him on your team trying to help your franchise? He knows how to identify talent, how to build winning franchises, winning cultures,” Harris said. “Obviously Rick Spielman brings a wealth of football knowledge and… brings that knowledge of football that you need when you’re interviewing candidates.”

Harris noted in his statement that “to deliver upon our ultimate goal of becoming an elite franchise and consistently competing for the Super Bowl, there is a lot to do. This is a crucial offseason for the Commanders.”

A thorough search will be led by Harris and his new advisory committee as they look to add “exceptional talent” to the locker room and coaching staff. The firing of Rivera seems to be the first step of Harris’ intended rebuild.

Rivera will join a pool of “free-agent” NFL head coaches, including former L.A. Chargers head coach Brandon Staley, former Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith and others. As a committed and well-respected coach around the league, Rivera is expected to continue his coaching career next season at 62 years old, although where he will do so is still unknown.