Former Panthers coach Ron Rivera interviewing for Redskins job tomorrow

Redskins owner Dan Snyder was rumored to have a desire to act quickly in his coaching search for 2020. Recent developments support that assertion.

The Washington Redskins season ended less than two hours ago, and already, updates are being provided on the team’s head coaching search for the 2020 season.

The Redskins fired Jay Gruden after a Week 5 dud against the New England Patriots. Since then, Bill Callahan has served as the team’s interim head coach, amassing a record of 3-8 in the ensuing 11 games, with wins agains the Dolphins, Lions, and Panthers, including a victory which resulted in the firing of Carolina head coach Ron Rivera.

Callahan performed admirably in some aspects, but he’s not a long-term candidate for the Redskins job. The Redskins will instead search for their next legitimate head coach in the coming days, although according to recent developments, a search may be concluded as soon as tomorrow. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, things have “progressed very nicely” for Ron Rivera, who has a meeting lined up with Dan Snyder and the Redskins tomorrow, to discuss their job opening.

The Redskins, in a twist of irony, may give Rivera, a coach whose downfall they cemented in Carolina, his next chance as a leader of men. Rivera certainly has a compelling track record; he coached eight seasons in Carolina from 2011 to mid-2019, building a cumulative record of 76-63-1. He made the playoffs four times, and made a Super Bowl appearance with a 15-1 Panthers squad in 2015.

Rivera is known for his defensive prowess, as well as his care for players and his ability to establish a strong culture. His downfall in Carolina did not leave him entirely without blame, but subpar quarterback play and injuries played a part in the Panthers struggles down the stretch. Rivera is still a quality coach, and he offers a high floor for the Redskins. The questions rest in the upside, as well as potential fits.

Panthers owner David Tepper was very open and honest about his firing of Rivera, stating that a change needed to be made. He implied that he wanted a coach who was more analytically attuned, suggesting that Rivera has trouble implementing analytics into his decision making. There’s also uncertainty over whether or not Rivera would keep Kevin O’Connell, who has been promising as of late, as the team’s offensive coordinator. Rivera is more likely to do so than an offensive coach, but he still might want his own staff, were he to be hired as the next head coach.

At the very least, the Redskins are being proactive in their coaching search, and a new leader of the burgundy and gold could be in place as early as tomorrow. Until then, we’re left to speculate. How would you feel about having Ron Rivera as the Redskins head coach? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments below!