Report: Washington Commanders expected to part ways with Ron Rivera on Monday

The Washington Commanders (4-12) are expected to part ways with head coach Ron Rivera Monday, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

Rivera, 62, had been on the hot seat with Washington having dropped seven games in a row after a 4-5 start. The Dallas Cowboys (11-5) have a chance to make it eight straight in the season finale Sunday. Rivera has been at the helm since the 2020 season, when he was hired to replace Jay Gruden. The Commanders captured an NFC East title in Rivera’s inaugural season, albeit with a 7-9 record. Since then, Washington has gone 19-30 with zero playoff appearances.

Prior to joining the Commanders, Rivera spent nine seasons (2011-19) as head coach of the Carolina Panthers. Carolina went 76-63 under Rivera, winning three NFC South titles and coming just short of winning Super Bowl 50 against the Denver Broncos.

The harsh reality of Rivera’s future came even clearer once Josh Harris took over as team owner from Dan Snyder. Harris hasn’t commented publicly since Nov. 24, when Rivera made the decision to relieve Jack Del Rio from his duties as defensive coordinator. At the time, Harris described his feeling with the team as “disappointed and frustrated.”

Commanders headed for coaching search with Ron Rivera expected to lose job

“I feel exactly how our fans feel today: disappointed and frustrated,” Harris said. “It’s how our players and staff feel as well. I knew our first season of ownership would include challenges along the way. We will not shy away from hard work, nor will we be deterred by adversity. As Coach Rivera and I discussed, all of our energy for the remainder of the season will be focused on playing better, more consistent football and developing our players while intently evaluating the areas in which we need to improve this offseason.

“Our fans deserve a team that can complete with the NFL’s best and win sustainably over the long-term. I will not waver from that mission. Thank you to our fans for the ways in which you’ve breathed new life into our franchise. We have not been good enough this season, but our resolve for the future is unbroken.”

Along with Rivera, the status of general manager Martin Mayhew is also in doubt, Pelissero noted. As for where Washington goes next, the next regime will walk into a situation where stable ownership exists, some building blocks already on the roster such as receiver Terry McLaurin, running back Brian Robinson and defensive lineman Jonathan Allen, to go along with the opportunity to snag a franchise quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft.