Black Monday has claimed the job of Ron Rivera.
The Washington Commanders parted ways Monday with the 61-year-old Rivera after four seasons, the team announced.
The Commanders had a record of 26-40-1 during Rivera’s tenure, including this year’s 4-13 campaign that ended with a 38-10 loss to the Cowboys on Sunday.
As Washington begins its search for its next head coach, Commanders owner Josh Harris announced he’s hired former Warriors general manager Bob Myers and former Vikings general manager Rick Spielman to be part of an advisory committee that will help find the next coach and head of football operations.
“To deliver upon our ultimate goal of becoming an elite franchise and consistently competing for the Super Bowl, there is a lot to do and first we must establish a strong organizational infrastructure led by the industry’s best and most talented individuals,” Harris said in a statement. “As such, we will conduct a thorough search process to ensure we find the right candidates to guide this franchise forward. I consider these decision to be among the most critical I make for this franchise — attraction exception talent, empowering them to lead and holding the accountable. I look forward to being personally involved throughout this process.”
This decision on Rivera’s future has been looming for months, as it was presumed that the new ownership group led by Harris, the private equity titan who also owns the Philadelphia 76ers, would want to build their own leadership team after purchasing the franchise from Daniel Snyder for $6.05 billion last year.
Rivera, 61, could have potentially survived if the team went on a successful run, but that did not materialize as Washington lost eight straight games to close out the season.
The Commanders missed the playoffs in each of Rivera’s last three seasons after winning the NFC East in his first year with a 7-9 record.
Washington lost to a Tom Brady-led Tampa Bay team in the wild-card round that year.
Rivera got the Commanders job after spending nine seasons as head coach of the Panthers, a tenure highlighted by a 15-1 record and Super Bowl berth in the 2015-’16 season.
As a player, he had a nine-year career at linebacker with the Bears, including being a member of their fabled 1985 defense.
It is unclear whether Rivera will retire now or perhaps pursue a job in media or even the NFL league office.
As for the Commanders, their search should be fascinating.
At various times during the season, there has been speculation that they could try to work out a trade with the Patriots for Bill Belichick or perhaps with the Steelers for Mike Tomlin.
Harris was a minority owner in the Steelers’ organization prior to purchasing the Commanders.
Myers, who now works for ESPN after leading the Warriors to four titles, and Spielman, who was let go by the Vikings after the 2021 season, will help Harris find Washington’s next leaders.
The top executive behind Warriors dynasty reportedly will run the point for “identifying and coordinating interviews,” according to ESPN.
“This is a crucial offseason for us, and we won’t shy away from the work needed to get back to a place where we can deliver a winning culture top to bottom,” Harris told ESPN. “…I’ve known Bob a long time and watched him construct four championship teams and a highly successful organization in Golden State … He is innovative, thoughtful, well-connected across sports and understands what it takes to solidify and sustain championship infrastructure. I think he’s going to be incredibly additive.”
Myers and Spielman will be joined on the advisory committee by limited partners Mitch Rates, Magic Johnson and David Blitzer.
“I have been fortunate to know Josh Harris for many years and his commitment to building championship-caliber teams is what drew me here,” Myers said in a statement. “In my experience, championship infrastructure begins with a strong ownership group that prioritizes culture and invests in attracting the industry’s most talented and innovative leaders.
“In speaking with Josh and his team, it’s clear they will do everything it takes to build out a world-class organization — one that can win on the field and make a positive mark in the DMV community. This is the type of opportunity that really inspires me, and I look forward to contributing to the next chapter of this storied franchise.”
Spielman is also thrilled to help lead the search.
“I’m excited and appreciative of this opportunity…,” Spielman said in a statement. “I know how much this franchise means to Josh and how motivated he is to re-establish a culture of winning. Josh and his partners are willing to invest the time, energy, and resources to build this franchise the right way — without cutting corners — and that is critical as you approach an important offseason like one in front of us. I am thrilled to apply my experience in the NFL and collaborate with Josh, Bob, and the ownership group to idenity the best leaders to guide the Commanders forward.”
The Commanders’ openings could be attractive to candidates since they hold the second pick in what will be a quarterback-centric 2024 NFL Draft.
The new coach and head of football operations must decie if Sam Howell is the quarterback of the future or if the franchise wants to use that second pick to draft a top prospect like USC’s Caleb Williams, North Carolina’s Drake Maye or LSU’s Heisman winner Jayden Daniels.
“This is a crucial offseason for the Commanders, and we continue to be motivated and inspired by the way the fans have responded since we took ownership last summer,” Harris said in his statement. “Stewarding this franchise is a responsibility we don’t take lightly, and we’re eager to lay the foundation for the next chapter of Commanders football.”
