Ron Rivera expected to be fired by Commanders after Cowboys game

Ron Rivera is expected to be let go as Washington Commanders head coach following Sunday’s season finale against the Dallas Cowboys, according to the NFL Network . The longtime NFL coach, who turned 62 on Sunday, will likely be among those fired around the league on Monday, as Washington enters its last game at 4 12 and at the bottom of the NFC East, having also gone winless in the division.

Rivera’s dismissal would hardly come as a surprise, given his lack of success in Washington, coupled with the arrival of a new owner , Josh Harris, who officially took control of the team in July. Harris last spoke publicly following the midseason firing of defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio , when Harris said on Nov.

24 he was “disappointed and frustrated” with the season, and the Commanders haven’t won a game since. Now that Harris has replaced Dan Snyder, who was reviled throughout most of the league, Washington’s situation is expected to improve. They also need a new quarterback, since Sam Howell has struggled and the team could have a top three draft pick this year, with several QB prospects expected to be picked high in the draft.

Who makes that pick is also up for debate, since general manager Martin Mayhew’s future is also cloudy, according to the report. Potential replacements for Rivera, who hasn’t finished above .500 in any of his four seasons in Washington, include Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. But the report also noted Harris has hired high profile coaches and executives of the other teams he owns, including Daryl Morey and Nick Nurse with the Philadelphia 76ers, as well as Lindy Ruff with the Devils.

As for Rivera, he entered Sunday with a 102 102 2 career record and guided the Carolina Panthers to the Super Bowl in 2016, when the Cam Newton led team lost to Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos. Rivera, who is 26 39 1 as Commanders coach, won the NFC East in his first season with the team in 2020, despite a 7 9 record.

Washington lost to the Buccaneers in the wild card round..