Commanders News: Josh Harris, injuries, Ron Rivera and name change debate

Examining the latest Commanders news and rumors from around the media.
Terry McLaurin
Terry McLaurin / Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
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Commanders HC Ron Rivera's future

There is a huge sense of optimism about what the future might look like for the Washington Commanders in 2023 and beyond. But that doesn't do anything to detract from the enormous pressure on Ron Rivera's shoulders entering Year 4 of his head coaching tenure.

It's been tough for Rivera so far. Mitigating factors were obviously in play and there was a huge mess to clean up in terms of foundational ethos, but the respected figurehead looks rejuvenated this offseason after finally getting the chance to focus firmly on football at long last.

If Rivera is worried about his job security, he isn't showing it. And the former linebacker was in a reflective mood when asked about potentially being on the hot seat by John Keim of ESPN recently.

"I don’t worry about that. If we go 8-8-1 this year and he fires me and next year they win the division and 40 of the 53 players we drafted and it’s the same quarterback, I’m vindicated. Send me my Super Bowl ring. That’s the way I look at it. I want us to be right and to see this community have that excitement again."

- Ron Rivera via ESPN

Josh Harris' ownership group is currently assessing everything across the Commanders franchise before making any drastic changes. the early signs of a fruitful relationship between Rivera and those in power have been positive, but that could all change if results on the field don't show a marked improvement this season.

High stakes, indeed. But nothing Rivera hasn't experienced before.