No head coach in recent NFL history has dealt with as much as Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera. In addition to battling cancer in his first season as Washington’s coach in 2020, Rivera has been through two name changes, multiple controversies involving owner Daniel Snyder, and sexual harassment investigations, all while trying to coach a football team.
When Snyder hired Rivera after the 2019 season, he made it clear this was Rivera’s organization. Snyder termed it a “coach-centric” approach. At the time, Rivera probably had no idea of everything that would be on his plate.
One of Rivera’s biggest challenges in Washington was changing the organization’s rotten culture. Entering his third season, Rivera has done well in that regard. The Commanders have re-signed key stalwarts, such as defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, wide receiver Terry McLaurin and tight end Logan Thomas.
Clearly, Rivera’s players believe in him and love playing for him.
While fans aren’t happy with back-to-back seven-win seasons, Mike Tirico of NBC Sports believes Washington is fortunate to have Rivera.
“With everything going around the organization — a lot of it’s been negative — having Ron Rivera there has been a godsend,” Tirico told NBC4’s Moises Linares via Ethan Cadeaux of NBC Sports Washington.
There aren’t many coaches who could’ve handled the many things thrown Rivera’s way. Sure, some can argue if he’s done enough to improve the defense in the offseason or other personnel decisions, but you also must consider what Rivera inherited.
“Ron Rivera is one of the most respected, one of the most stable, one of the most honest guys in the league,” Tirico said. “I think Ron’s veteran presence and experience has kept this from getting onto the field. I think if there are other issues with the franchise, as there have been played out very publicly, a lot of times that can seep into the locker room and the field. I think Ron has done an exceptional job of keeping that at bay.”
Tirico said it perfectly. While the Commanders still have a long ways to go, especially on the field, Rivera has been the right man to lead the organization at the right time.