• Loading stock data...
Friday, November 22, 2024

Ron Rivera Firing on Black Monday Signals Commanders’ Official Reset of Franchise

  • New ownership taps former Warriors general manager Bob Myers to join search for new leadership.
  • Washington’s dismissal follows Atlanta’s overnight firing of head coach Arthur Smith.
Ron Rivera
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

As expected, the Washington Commanders’ first season under owner Josh Harris was the last under head coach Ron Rivera. 

Rivera was the second head coach fired on Black Monday after the Atlanta Hawks announced the dismissal of Arthur Smith. 

The decision by the new ownership, which seeks to rebuild a franchise that languished under prior owner Dan Snyder, comes a day after Rivera led the team to a 4-13 record. Minutes after the change was announced, Harris added that former Golden State Warriors GM Bob Myers and former Vikings GM Rick Spielman would assist co-owners Mitch Rales, Magic Johnson, and David Blitzer in a search for a new head coach and a 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. “As such, we will conduct a thorough search process to ensure we find the right candidates to guide this franchise forward. I consider these decisions to be among the most critical I make for the franchise — attracting exceptional talent, empowering them to lead and holding them accountable. I look forward to being personally involved throughout this process.”

Myers’s advisory role allow him to continue his work as an NBA analyst with ESPN, a source told Front Office Sports.

Rivera was hired by Snyder four years ago amid an NFL workplace investigation that saw several staffers implicated in misconduct. While Harris credited Rivera for helping “navigate this organization through some challenging times,” his first season in 2020 was the only campaign that led to a playoff appearance. 

Rivera finished with a 26-40-1 record over four seasons. 

“I want every Washington fan to know how much I appreciate your unwavering support,” Rivera said in a statement. “Through all the name changes, roster moves, non-football headlines and seasons that did not meet your expectations, you still stood by this team. We did win an NFC East title in 2020, but we fell short since then and for that, I am truly disappointed.

“It wasn’t easy and there is a lot more to be done, but I believe we began to change the culture of this organization in meaningful ways. And on a personal note, it has been one of the greatest honors of my career to serve this franchise and those who cheer it on every week.”

Smith was 21-30 over three seasons and never secured a playoff berth.

The Carolina Panthers announced Monday that they had parted ways with GM Scott Fitterer, a move that followed the midseason firing of Frank Reich.

“As we move forward with the new direction for our franchise, I have made the decision that Scott Fitterer will no longer serve as our general manager,” Panthers owner David Tepper said in a statement. “I appreciate Scott’s efforts and wish the best for him and his family.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Sep 25, 2024; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) reacts during the first half against the Connecticut Sun during game two of the first round of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs at Mohegan Sun Arena.

Caitlin Clark Has Told Unrivaled She Won’t Play in Inaugural Season

Clark has definitively told Unrivaled that she won’t be playing this year.
A photo of Around the Horn's set

‘Around the Horn’ to End 23-Year ESPN Run in 2025

ESPN had reportedly been thinking of canceling the show since the summer.

NBA Legend Hubie Brown Stepping Away From ESPN at 91

Brown has been associated with the league for over 50 years.
Sep 29, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis acknowledges a fan before the start of a game between the Raiders and the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.

Mark Davis to Unload More of the Raiders

He’s agreed to give 15% to new owners, shortly after the Brady sale.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

What’s Next for Hapless Jets?

0:00

Featured Today

Nov 18, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Williams Racing driver Logan Sargeant of the United States (2) during the Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas Strip Circuit.

F1 Grand Prix Upended Vegas Last Year. Stakes Are High for Its..

Stakes are high as F1 gears up for a successful second act.
Classic Football Shirts New York Pop-Up
November 18, 2024

Vintage Soccer Jerseys Have Found a Sweet Spot in the Lucrative U.S...

The money-making shirts are at the prime intersection of memorabilia and fashion.
Nov 13, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) reacts after fouling Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (not pictured) during the second half at Madison Square Garden.
opinion
November 16, 2024

NBA Ratings Rorschach Test: Buy the Dip

Was it the election? Too many threes? Lack of storylines?
November 15, 2024

Executive Decision: When Richard Nixon Named a College Football Champion

In 1969, the 37th president unilaterally named the winner of the season.
Aaron Rodgers

Jets Clean House With Only Aaron Rodgers Remaining

Joe Douglas’s firing wasn’t a surprise, but the timing was.
November 18, 2024

Roaring to the Top: Lions Become Super Bowl Favorites for First Time

This is the first time in franchise history Detroit is favored to win the Super Bowl.
Michele Kang
November 19, 2024

Michele Kang Drops Whopping $30 Million on U.S. Soccer

It’s the largest gift to the federation focused on girls and women.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
November 17, 2024

Dallas Wings Secure No. 1 WNBA Pick Projected to be Paige Bueckers

Bueckers has endorsement deals with Nike and Gatorade and an equity stake in Unrivaled.
November 13, 2024

NHL’s Smallest-Market Team Is Breaking Records, Securing Its Future

Both wins and attendance are way up for the often-overlooked NHL franchise.
Nov 8, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (1) works around Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo (0) in the third quarter at Target Center.
November 13, 2024

Trail Blazers Troll Fan With Gambling Addiction Helpline

The official account suggested that a complaining fan on X/Twitter should call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Nov 10, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) throws a pass against the Dallas Cowboys in the game at AT&T Stadium.
November 11, 2024

Why Won’t Jerry Jones Hang Curtains for Cowboys Games?

AT&T Stadium put up curtains for “WrestleMania” and The Eras Tour.