.png)
The Washington Commanders announced Monday that Ron Rivera has been fired as the head football coach.
This comes following a 4-13 season and the second straight last place finish in the NFC East for Washington. Rivera’s team limped to the finish line over the final two months, losing eight straight games to close out his final season as head coach.
Over Rivera’s four seasons with the team, Washington went 26-40-1 with one playoff appearance in his first season in 2020, losing the home playoff game to Tampa Bay.
In the four years, Washington recorded zero winning seasons, with the best campaign coming in 2022 when the team finished 8-8-1.
Despite Rivera’s firing, new team Owner Josh Harris has decided to retain General Manager Martin Mayhew on staff. In addition, Harris is forming an advisory committee to assist with the head coaching search. The committee includes former NBA star and current minority team owner Magic Johnson, former NBA General Manager Bob Myers and former Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman.
A two-time NBA Executive of the Year, Myers is most well-known for his involvement in the construction of the Golden State Warriors dynasty, which won four NBA titles in his tenure.
Heading into the offseason, there are more questions than answers for the Washington Commanders, but it’s hard to deny that the future is bright.
The team owns the #2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and has a young core of players that could thrive under a new coach.
Nonetheless, coaching changes are never easy; even if you’re a veteran like Terry McLaurin, who will be working with his third head coach in his sixth season next year.
“It’s an opportunity for everybody to look in the mirror and pick some things that they want to be better at next year,” McLaurin said Monday. “ We fell short. Coaches and players, we didn’t reach the goal that we wanted to, and that’s what’s on the front of everybody’s mind.”
Will the Commanders take a quarterback with the #2 pick? What happens to Sam Howell if they do? Who is even going to be coaching this team entering 2024?
Like I said, more questions than answers. However, it’s one of the more exciting times to be a Commanders fan in years.
Washington has a new owner, a top two draft pick, and a new head coach on the way. It might not happen right away, but the franchise seems to finally be on the right track with Josh Harris at the controls.