Commanders fire Ron Rivera just a day after his 62nd birthday following ‘poor’ 4-13 season

Commanders' GM Martin Mayhew and many front office and coaching staff are also expected to go.

Commanders fire Ron Rivera just a day after his 62nd birthday following ‘poor’ 4-13 season

Josh Harris and Ron Rivera (Via New Yrork Post/New York Times)

Amidst the rumors of pursuing the legendary coach Bill Belichick, it seems like all Washington Commanders were waiting for Ron Rivera‘s 62nd birthday to pass, as they fired him just a day after.

However, this isn’t a surprising incident, as the departure of Rivera was anticipated long back. And as the 4-13 Commanders lost to the Dallas Cowboys by 38-10, the speculations became more evident.

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Ever since Josh Harris took over the Commanders, he knew the team needed a restart, and that wouldn’t be possible with Rivera as head coach. While Rivera leaves the franchise, Bob Myers, the Golden State Warriors legend, is joining the Commanders.

With Rivera’s departure after four seasons with Washington, general manager Martin Mayhew and many front office and coaching staff are also expected to go. The 62-year-old was informed about the franchise’s decision after the poor loss to Cowboys in the week 18.

Today, we made the decision to part ways with Ron Rivera. I want to thank Ron and his wife Stephanie for all they did for the Commanders… especially during the ownership transition.
Said Harris in a released statement to the media.

Harris reasoned Rivera’s firing to the inadequate results seen this season that demanded a “strategic shift in leadership and approach” necessary for the future of the franchise. 

I have assembled a small advisory committee to assist me in identifying two important roles for this organization: head of football operations and head coach.
He also shared

The Commanders’ owner has requested prominent sports figures such as Myers, Mitch Rales, Earvin Johnson, David Blitzer, and Rick Spielman to join his advisory board. Now that Myers’ has joined, there seems to be some hope for the next head coach.

Related: Bill Belichick to the Commanders? Patriots legendary HC could reportedly be Ron Rivera’s replacement at Washington

Who may replace Ron Rivera in the Commanders?

Eric Bieniemy, who is known to be one of the sharpest offensive minds, is likely to replace Rivera. He joined Washington in February 2023 from the Kansas City Chiefs.

The biggest reason for leaving the Chiefs was because Bieniemy wanted to run his defense, outside the realm of Andy Reid.

Eric Bieniemy with former Commanders HC Ron Rivera
Eric Bieniemy with former Commanders HC Ron Rivera (Via Hogs Haven)

However, considering how owner Harris is consulting longtime Golden State Warriors exec, Myers, along with former Vikings GM, Spielman, to look for a competent head coach, Harris wouldn’t hand over the team directly to Bieniemy.

Moreover, Harris also has his eyes set on New England Patriots head coach Belichick, who is likely to leave his team in the near future. Another big prospect for Harris is Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh. So, the decision, of course, isn’t going to be easy.

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