Ron Rivera can now focus on football with training camp looming. Washington Football Team named Terry Bateman executive vice president and chief marking officer. The team announced the hiring Monday.
“Terry Batman is a man I trust and have worked with for many years,” Washington’s owner Dan Snyder said. “I can’t think of a better individual to help spearhead this organization’s marketing efforts into this new era.”
Bateman will be “leading the charge” with the name change and branding process along with Snyder. His responsibilities will include marketing, sponsors relations, internet and broadcast media operations and overall business strategy, according to the press release.
Bateman said he was “very excited” to join the organization at such a critical moment in the team’s history.
He has over 40 years of expertise in sports, entertainment and media industries.
Bateman’s hiring, alleviates Rivera, head coach, from being a lead in business operations of the team. Previously, the team announced Rivera would work alongside Snyder in the name change and re-branding. But, training camp is set to start July 28, provided no additional challenges due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Rivera’s in his first season with Washington. He is already tasked with turning around a team that had a 3-13 record last season and has not made the postseason since 2015.
However, with Washington restructuring their front office, Rivera seemingly had a lot more duties put on his plate beyond coaching football.
In addition to the name change and re-branding, Washington is facing a PR nightmare after the Washington Post’s bombshell article about sexual harassment and toxic culture within the organization.
The team dismissed two front office officials implicated in the article. Thus, Snyder is looking to continue restructuring the organization’s front office. Last week the team hired three to the front office, including former Washington tight end Don Warren.
Still, Rivera was seemingly involved with the business side. Hiring Bateman will shift the lead on the business side. Now, Rivera gets to focus on re-shaping the football side of the team.
