Commanders fire Ron Rivera: Coach had 26 40 1 record in four seasons with Washington

The are moving on from head coach Ron Rivera a day after the team finished a 4 13 season. Rivera compiled a 26 40 1 record in four seasons with the organization, and was fired after months of speculation that Washington would find a new coach at the conclusion of this season. Owner Josh Harris of former Golden State Warriors general manager Bob Myers and former Minnesota Vikings general manager and current co host of ' ,' a CBS Sports podcast, Rick Spielman to aid in the search a new head of football operations and head coach.

This marks the second time that Rivera has been fired in the second year of a franchise's new ownership. Carolina owner David Tepper cut ties with the coach in 2019 after buying the team a year earlier. Rivera spent six seasons as a defensive coordinator with the and before getting his first opportunity to become a head coach in 2011; becoming the third Latino head coach in NFL history.

Carolina went to Super Bowl with No. 1 overall selection Cam Newton leading his team. Denver and legendary quarterback Peyton Manning vanquished their opponent, 24 10. It was the first meeting between head coaches that had previously played in a Super Bowl. Rivera led the to a 76 63 1 record over the course of nine seasons.

Adversity defined his first season as head coach in the nation's capital. The nation was experiencing the COVID 19 pandemic while he was undergoing treatment to fight cancer. He missed just three practices and led Washington to the NFC East title that year. The 62 year old is now cancer free. As a player, Rivera was a second round draft pick by the Bears in 1984 and was a member of the 1985 team that won XX.

Washington currently holds the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, which gives the team a prime opportunity to replace starting quarterback Sam Howell or trade the pick for a massive draft pick haul. The Commanders are also projected to have the most salary cap space available this offseason with nearly $85.3 million.

Owner Josh Harris has ample resources to attract a top tier candidate..