Ron Rivera open to major change after Commanders firing

Sep 26, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Washington Football Team head coach Ron Rivera walks on the field prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Ron Rivera lost his job as head coach of the Washington Commanders on Jan. 8, but he is eager to continue coaching. So eager, in fact, that he is willing to accept something of a demotion in order to remain in the game.

Rivera suggested he would be happy to work as a defensive coordinator in the right situation, the role he held for multiple teams before landing his first head coaching position in 2010.

“Sometimes you do have to take a step back,” Rivera told John Keim of ESPN. “You take a step back you learn and grow from it. It’s like I told other players, if you look at this year as a lost year, you’re [hurting] yourself. You should look at it as a year to learn and understand why things happen. This was probably the greatest learning experience I’ve had in a while this year. I mean, a lot of things came to light at certain times this past season that I think going forward will really help me.”

Rivera said he has had contact with multiple organizations about potential coaching opportunities, but is taking his time and making sure to pick the right one.

Rivera was the Chicago Bears’ defensive coordinator from 2004 to 2006, and held the same role with the San Diego Chargers from 2008 to 2010. He also took over defensive playcalling duties in Washington after the midseason firing of Jack Del Rio in 2023.

It is possible Rivera could be a head coach again, but that chance is unlikely to come this year. In the meantime, his experience might be valuable to a team seeking a veteran defensive coordinator, even if he has not explicitly held that job in over a decade.