Ron Rivera, best coach in Carolina Panthers history, fired from Washington Commanders
The most successful head coach in Carolina Panthers history is on the market again.
Ron Rivera, who served as Carolina’s head coach from 2011 to 2019, has been fired as head coach of the Washington Commanders, the team announced on Monday. The move was made a few hours after the Commanders lost to the the Dallas Cowboys, 38-10, in Week 18 and fell to 4-13 on the year.
That means Rivera’s stint in Washington lasted four years, where he went 26-40-1, never able to fully revamp a culture that had been under so much scrutiny prior to and during his tenure. Among the changes to the Washington organization during Rivera’s time there: Josh Harris, the billionaire owner of the Philadelphia 76ers and the New Jersey Devils, bought the Commanders for an NFL record $6 billion from Daniel Snyder in July of 2023.
Rivera’s departure announcement comes the same day the Panthers announce the firing of general manager Scott Fitterer, who served in the role for three seasons.
“I want every Washington fan to know how much I appreciate your unwavering support,” Rivera said in a statement on Monday. “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.”
Rivera’s firing comes a little more than four seasons after he was let go by the Panthers. That move came after a Week 13 loss in 2019 and was the first coaching change of many in the owner David Tepper era. Tepper will be embarking on his search for a third head coach in as many years this offseason (not including interims).
Known as “Riverboat Ron,” Rivera built a reputation on taking chances on the field and became a respected leader in Carolina. Some of that resulted from winning: The now-62-year-old coach arrived the same year quarterback Cam Newton was drafted, and the two led the Panthers to a Super Bowl appearance in the 2015 season and three straight playoff appearances for the first time in Panthers history. Rivera left Carolina with a 76-63-1 record — the most wins in franchise history — and a 3-4 postseason record.
Some of those fond memories, too, came from him being embraced by the region. Rivera and his wife, Stephanie, became integral members of Charlotte’s community and supporters of a variety of causes — and that love was returned when Rivera announced he had squamous cell cancer in his throat. He finished treatments on Oct. 26, 2020, and recovered thereafter.
.JPG "FalconsPanthersFootball (5).JPG")
Asked on Jan. 2 about his tenure as Commanders head coach, Rivera said, in part: “I’d like to think we’re in a better place. Probably a fair way to say it. I most certainly do appreciate my time here, and we’ll see what happens.”
According to media reports, the Commanders have hired former Golden State Warriors general manager Bob Myers and former Minnesota Vikings GM Rick Spielman to help with the search for a new head coach.
“As for Washington, it wasn’t easy, and there is a lot more to be done,” Rivera added. “But I believe we began to change the culture of this organization in meaningful ways. And on a personal note, it has been one of the greatest honors of my career to serve this franchise and those who cheer it on every week.”
NFL head coaching vacancies
As of Jan. 8, the day after the conclusion of the NFL regular season, there are five head coaching vacancies:
- Carolina Panthers (Frank Reich fired, Chris Tabor interim)
- Las Vegas Raiders (Josh McDaniels fired, Antonio Pierce interim)
- Los Angeles Chargers (Brandon Staley fired, Giff Smith interim)
- Washington Commanders (Ron Rivera fired)
- Atlanta Falcons (Arthur Smith fired)
This story was originally published January 8, 2024 at 9:24 AM.
