Commanders Fire Coach Ron Rivera After 4 Disappointing Years, Turmoil

ASHBURN, VA — The Washington Commanders have fired head coach Ron Rivera, the organization said Monday morning.. The team wrapped up the season Sunday with a 38-10 loss to the Dallas Cowboys for a 4-13 season record.

Rivera was the last head coach hired by former owner Dan Snyder. In four seasons, Rivera amassed a record of 26-49-1. The Commanders made the playoffs once under Rivera in 2020.

Josh Harris, the managing partner for the franchise's ownership group, is expected to install sweeping changes this year; 2024 marks the first full off-season under the new owners.

"Ron helped navigate this organization through some challenging times," Harris said in a statement. "He is a good man and a thoughtful leader who has positively contributed to this organization and the NFL. I wish the Rivera family nothing but the best moving forward."

Rivera worked as the team's head of football operations in addition to his role as head coach. In his introductory press conference in 2020, Rivera said he was drawn to Washington due to a "coach-centered approach."

In his time in Washington, Rivera saw three different team names, eight starting quarterbacks, and a slew of off-season controversies.

"I want every Washington fan to know how much I appreciate your unwavering support," Rivera said in a statement. "Through all the changes, roster moves, non-football headlines and seasons that did not met your expectations, you still stood by this team."

Former owner Dan Snyder sold the team in 2023. Snyder was continually embroiled in controversies, including lawsuits from the D.C. Attorney General, investigations regarding workplace misconduct, and sexual misconduct allegations.

Read more: Snyder, NFL Interfered In Harassment Investigation: DC Lawsuit

In his first season as head coach, Rivera was diagnosed with skin cancer. He didn't miss a game as he received chemotherapy and radiation treatment. The team said Rivera's cancer was in remission in 2021.

Ultimately, the franchise never found much on-field success during Rivera's tenure. They did not win any playoff games under Rivera and never finished a season with a winning record.

"We did win an NFC East title in 2020, but we fell short since then and for that, I am truly disappointed," Rivera said. "You are loyal, passionate fans and I only see good things ahead for you all."

The 2023 season marked a low point for Rivera's tenure. The team finished last in its division for the second-straight year. Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio was fired after an embarrassing loss on Thanksgiving to the rival Dallas Cowboys. The Commanders lost eight consecutive games to end the season.

"As we look ahead, we recognize the results this season were not good enough and a strategic shift in leadership and approach is necessary," Harris said.

Harris has hired two former general managers to assist in the search for a new coach and football operations executive. Former Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman will be joined by Bob Myers, who helped build the NBA's Golden State Warriors team that dominated the 2010s.

"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. "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."

The Commanders will have the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The new coach and head of football operations will likely consider a quarterback to lead the team next season. Draft experts believe the University of North Carolina's Drake Maye and University of Southern California's Caleb Williams could be on the Commanders' radar.

"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. "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."

Related:

• Commanders Fire Defensive Coordinator After Thanksgiving Embarrassment
• NFL Owners Approve $6B Washington Commanders Sale: Report
• Commanders Sold For $6.05 Billion To Group Led By Josh Harris: Report
• Snyder Avoided Congressional Subpoena, Dodged Questions: Report
• Suspect Arrested In Shooting Of Commanders Rookie Brian Robinson
• Commanders Under Investigation For 'Financial Improprieties': ESPN