Last week, former Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera said he wanted to continue coaching. And, after finishing 4-13 in 2023 and 26-40-1 in four seasons as Washington’s head coach, Rivera understood if he wanted to keep coaching, it might not be as a head coach.
He told John Keim of ESPN he would be open to being a defensive coordinator elsewhere.
On Monday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported that Rivera is interviewing with the Philadelphia Eagles for their vacant defensive coordinator position.
Former #Commanders head coach Ron Rivera is interviewing with the #Eagles for their defensive coordinator position, per sources.
The last time Rivera was a DC, his 2010 Chargers led the league in total defense. pic.twitter.com/oZCDKb6nTc
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) January 22, 2024
The Eagles fired defensive coordinator Sean Desai after one season. Desai was stripped of his defensive playcalling duties in the season and replaced by former Lions coach Matt Patricia. The Eagles also moved on from Patricia.
Desai replaced Jonathan Gannon, who left last offseason to become head coach of the Arizona Cardinals.
Rivera’s interview with the Eagles is the latest indication that head coach Nick Sirianni will return in 2024.
Rivera took over as Washington’s defensive play-caller in Week 13 after firing defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio. Later, he would say he enjoyed the role as it was a departure from his first 62 games in Washington, where he wore multiple hats, including total control over team personnel.
Rivera first served as a defensive coordinator with the Bears from 2004-06. In 2008, he took over as defensive coordinator of the Chargers for three seasons before he became head coach of the Panthers in 2011.