Former Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera has a new job. No, Rivera will not be roaming an NFL sideline this fall. Instead, Rivera is heading back to college. Specifically, the former NFL player and coach will return to his alma mater in a general manager-like role for the University of California.
Rivera, who served as Washington’s head coach from 2020-23, spent nine years as head coach of the Carolina Panthers from 2011-19. Rivera was a two-time NFL Coach of the Year during his time in Carolina. Overall, Rivera’s career record is 102-103-2, and he had a 26-40-1 record in Washington.
In addition to being the Commanders’ head coach, Rivera was essentially the team’s general manager, too, making several controversial decisions for four years. None of Rivera’s four first-round picks are currently on Washington’s roster.
Breaking at @CBSSports: Two-time NFL Coach of the Year and Cal alum Ron Rivera is expected to take a General Manager-like role with Cal Football. An All-American for the Golden Bears, Rivera returns to Berkeley to work with head coach Justin Wilcox for a new era of Cal Football pic.twitter.com/hepwYjQzCI
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) February 5, 2025
Rivera said the following on X:
Coach Belichick has made going back to school, cool. Stay tuned I am coming home. @CalAthletics @UCBerkeley @Cal #GoBears🐻
— Ron Rivera (@RiverboatRonHC) February 5, 2025
Rivera has interviewed for multiple jobs since being fired from Washington in January 2024. Rivera spoke with the New York Jets and Chicago Bears this offseason for their vacant head coaching positions. He also spoke with the Jacksonville Jaguars regarding their defensive coordinator position.
Now, Rivera pivots and will head back to college.
Washington fans will undoubtedly have opinions on Rivera’s new title, considering how his stint over personnel went with the Commanders.
