Where could former Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera land in 2024 after he declared his intent to continue working?
The Washington Commanders had no alternative other than to move on from Ron Rivera. A fourth-straight losing season, accusations of players giving up, complete failure on the defensive side, Sam Howell's regression over the second half of 2023, and a new ownership group coming into the fold dictated his fate was sealed once the team's regular-season engagements concluded.
Despite being 62 years old, Rivera recently told John Keim of ESPN that he doesn't plan to retire. The respected figure also revealed that he's received numerous offers from elsewhere, with many speculating this could be as a defensive coordinator in the right fit.
Washington is moving on positively without Rivera. It was a tough job to take on thanks to Dan Snyder's incompetent ownership. While he conducted himself impeccably and overcame significant adversity, this is a results business when it's all said and done.
On this topic, here are five potential landing spots for Rivera in the wake of his Commanders' demise.
Ron Rivera could join the Cowboys
It seems as if Mike McCarthy is getting a reprieve despite the Dallas Cowboys suffering their latest playoff humiliation against the Green Bay Packers. This is a contentious issue among fans and analysts alike. But changes could be coming elsewhere with Dan Quinn being widely touted for a head coaching job.
The Cowboys' defensive coordinator is currently going through several interview requests. He is the reported frontrunner to replace Pete Carroll as Seattle Seahawks head coach. If he does depart Dallas, McCarthy needs to find an experienced figure capable of hitting the ground running.
Ron Rivera ticks all the boxes in that regard. This also gives him the chance for instant revenge versus the Washington Commanders twice a season.
Ron Rivera could join the Rams
Another enticing head coaching candidate drawing significant interest from around the league is Raheem Morris. He's a well-balanced coach and a proven leader of men. The Washington Commanders and others have found out more about what credentials he could bring to their project. Whether it's enough to get an opportunity remains to be seen.
Morris has earned the right to another promotion. His work with the Los Angeles Rams as defensive coordinator despite losing some key figures was outstanding. Considering the interest from coach-needy teams in this cycle, it wouldn't be the biggest shock in the world to see him get another chance.
This would leave the Rams short of a defensive coordinator. Sean McVay normally likes to have an experienced presence to lean on given he's the team's offensive play-caller. Could Ron Rivera be a potential candidate for Morris' job if he departs the organization?
One couldn't rule anything out. Rivera's time with the Commanders ended sourly, but his credentials as a defensive strategist are why he got the Carolina Panthers head coaching job more than a decade ago. This also looks like an intriguing potential opening provided perennial All-Pro defensive lineman Aaron Donald doesn't walk away.
The scenario is entirely dependent on Morris. If he doesn't get a head coaching gig, then the coordinator will continue his outstanding work in Los Angeles.
Ron Rivera could join the Giants
After making the postseason in 2022, things didn't go nearly as well for the New York Giants this season. Quarterback Daniel Jones struggled to find his form and suffered injury problems. This exposed their complete lack of depth across the board, especially on the offensive line.
Their defense also came in for significant criticism throughout the campaign. Something was amiss aside from the odd decent game, which led to defensive coordinator Wink Martindale parting ways with the organization by what appears to be mutual consent.
Martindale won't be long without a job given the esteem in which he held around the league. The same could apply to Ron Rivera following his dismissal from the Washington Commanders. Brian Daboll might decide to make a bid to keep the ex-head coach in the NFC East to hopefully turn their ship around on this side of the football.
New York's defense gave up 229.3 passing yards per game and a further 132.4 yards per game on the ground. This indicates there is a lot of hard work ahead at all three levels for whoever comes in to replace Martindale. But if Rivera did take this job, there are some solid pieces to build around such as Dexter Lawrence, Kayon Thibodeaux, and Deonte Banks.
Ron Rivera could join the Jaguars
Things looked incredibly promising for the Jacksonville Jaguars once upon a time this season. They appeared well on course to win the AFC South. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence was playing some outstanding football. The former No. 1 pick was being complimented well by his skill positions, the protection, and the defense more often than not.
Then, everything changed.
Lawrence battled some injury issues before eventually throwing in the towel despite his best efforts. Christian Kirk's health issue was another body blow. Their defense completely fell off a cliff at the worst possible time. This was the area where those in power decided that change was needed.
Jacksonville culled a few staff members since the campaign concluded. They are looking for a new defensive coordinator as a result. Ron Rivera's name hasn't come up as yet, but head coach Doug Pederson might decide to go down the experience route in pursuit of getting his team over the hump.
Rivera isn't shy in telling people how much he missed the coaching aspect during his time with the Washington Commanders. He was forced to take on much more than just being a head coach thanks to Dan Snyder. This job would allow him to return to his roots within a set-up that isn't far away from contending.
Ron Rivera could join the Eagles
It looked for a long time as if the NFC East would have two legitimate Super Bowl hopefuls this season. The Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys looked especially strong at various stages of the campaign. Unfortunately, this didn't prevent both from suffering embarrassing losses over a dramatic wildcard weekend.
The Eagles' downfall started well over a month ago. They were 10-1 at one stage before tailing off dramatically. They were an unprepared and seemingly unmotivated team that the 9-8 Tampa Bay Buccaneers easily disposed of last weekend.
Much like the situation in Dallas, it seems like Nick Sirianni is going to get another shot in 2024. Others - his offensive and defensive coordinators, in particular - won't be so lucky if reports are accurate.
Sirianni is supposedly on the phone identifying potential coordinator candidates. Considering how much pressure he'll be under next season and how many changes could be coming to the playing personnel, acquiring coaches with experience would be preferable.
Ron Rivera, perhaps?
Rivera knows a lot about the Eagles during his game-planning as Washington Commanders head coach. He's unlikely to hold any emotional attachment that would make joining a division rival difficult. Although his head coaching tenure didn't reach the heights expected, he represents a substantial upgrade on Matt Patricia.