Commanders News: Ron Rivera, increased urgency, power rankings and Sam Howell

Commanders HC Ron Rivera's hot seat

There is a growing belief that it's not if, but rather when the Washington Commanders will make widespread staffing changes. Josh Harris' ownership group has begun to involve themselves on the football side of things, so they feel comfortable dipping their toe in the water after using the first few months to learn, assess, and react accordingly.

Ron Rivera is firmly on the hot seat. That would have been the case even if Harris and his team of investors hadn't stepped into the breach. Something that was reflected by Jordan Dajani of CBS Sports, who ranked the figurehead No. 2 on his list of coaches that might be canned when the campaign concludes.

"[Ron] Rivera entered this season on the hot seat, and I'm not sure anything has changed. Last year, he chose Carson Wentz as his quarterback, a decision he was criticized for from the jump, and even reinserted him back into the lineup after Taylor Heinicke resurrected the season. That choice led to Washington being eliminated from the playoffs. The past is the past, and Josh Harris' purchase may be something that buys Rivera some time. But the Commanders are clearly rebuilding after selling Chase Young and Montez Sweat at the trade deadline. Now, the franchise will have to decide if Rivera is the one they want leading them into this new era."

- Jordan Dajani, CBS Sports

This has been common knowledge for a while now. Rivera's taken everything in his stride and seems to have the locker room still on board, but the record must improve to stand any chance of seeing out his Commanders' contract in 2024.