Ultimately, Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera has to deliver wins. That’s a no-brainer when it comes to an NFL head coach. It’s also a message that new Commanders majority owner Josh Harris expressed Wednesday night.
Harris got asked about the future of Ron Rivera during the Economics Club event, which featured Harris and Commanders’ minority owner Mitchell Rales.
“I’ve really enjoyed getting to know Coach Rivera,” Harris said, per ESPN’s John Keim. “He’s a good man; he’s done a great job in terms of where the team is relative to where it was when he got here and relative to a lot of the distractions going on.
“He has a very capable front office. We’re getting up to speed. We want to hear how you want to learn [and] how you make decisions. It’s going really well… Ultimately, we have to deliver wins on the field. You don’t need to say anything. It’s just out there so far, so good.”
Rivera became the Commanders’ head coach in 2020. Rivera endured a lot on and off the field under the previous scandal-filled owner, Dan Snyder. He has had his personal battles with cancer.
Rivera won an NFC East division title in his first year, albeit with a losing record. The team has drafted well during his tenure. But ultimately, the Commanders must be successful on the field for Rivera to remain the head coach.
Rivera has compiled a 22-27-1 record with Washington. He’s struck out finding a viable long-term answer at quarterback. It’s been musical chairs. At least three quarterbacks have started in each of Rivera’s three previous seasons as Washington’s head coach. This year, Rivera is putting his coaching fate in the hands of 2022 fifth-round draft pick Sam Howell. The Commanders also have a new offensive coordinator in Eric Bieniemy.
Bieniemy was the offensive coordinator of the Kansas City Chiefs for the past five years. The Chiefs reached the AFC Championship Game in all five years and three Super Bowls, winning two. However, Bieniemy wasn’t the primary play-calling in Kansas City. He’s looking to prove he can stand on his feet away from legendary Chiefs coach Andy Reid.
Meanwhile, Howell has one NFL start in last year’s season finale. After going through nearly ten signal callers, Rivera hopes to hit big with the UNC product.
Rivera enters the 2023 proverbial hot seat. Not just because of the struggles on the field, but in most cases, a new owner spells a new regime. New owners often want to pick a head coach, president, and general manager.
While Harris praised the front office and Rivera’s character, his message was clear: The team must win for the current brass to remain beyond the immediate future.
Since Harris became owner, there have been wins from the fan experience, the organization’s vibe, and a perfect 3-0 preseason. Eventually, the newfound energy must translate during the regular season on the field. Otherwise, Rivera may be out as head coach.
