Ron Rivera surprised many by taking the Washington Redskins job so quickly. It’s not perceived to be one of the NFL’s better coaching positions, but Rivera was clearly convinced by Washington’s vision.
That vision included a new management structure around owner Daniel Snyder. Rivera admitted that he was uncertain when first discussing the job, but that he was won over eventually — though his compliment for the owner might not be as effusive as he wants it to be.
“This is about the fit, and the more I listened, the more I looked at it, the more I looked at the roster, that’s what impressed me the most, the more I knew,” Rivera said, via Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune. “I came in (to initial talks) with some trepidation, but as I’ve gotten to know Mr. Snyder, I understand really all he wants to do is figure out how to win, and that is pretty exciting.”
Snyder has owned the Redskins since May 1999, so it’s not exactly a ringing endorsement that Rivera sees him wanting to learn how to win as an owner. Washington fans who have watched Snyder try and fail to deliver a consistent winner for two decades probably aren’t enthralled with this either.
Snyder’s public image is not great, and his gaffes are widely mocked. If there’s a Washington turnaround coming, it will probably have more to do with Rivera than it will Snyder.
