In the latest NFL coaching changes, Arthur Smith, the former head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, joins the list of coaches losing their jobs this season, including notable names like Josh McDaniels, Frank Reich, and Brandon Staley. As these coaching shifts unfold, attention now turns to Ron Rivera, head coach of the Washington Commanders, as rumors circulate about his potential departure.
With speculation surrounding Ron Rivera’s job security, reports have surfaced attempting to identify potential candidates who could step into the head coaching role for the Washington Commanders if a change occurs.
Ron Rivera’s potential replacements
As Ron Rivera faces speculation about the potential conclusion of his tenure with the Commanders after this season, reports suggest that the Baltimore Ravens’ head of scouting Joe Hortiz, and defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald may be the Commanders’ targets.
Meanwhile, MSN has highlighted seven potential head coaches who could step into Rivera’s role. Among the candidates, Eric Bieniemy emerges as a noteworthy choice, considering his success with the Commanders.
After completing his initial five seasons as an offensive coordinator with the Chiefs, Bieniemy joined the Commanders as the OC this season, contributing to improvements in the team’s offensive performance.
Another name in the mix is Bill Belichick, the head coach of the New England Patriots, who is reportedly on the list of potential replacements. Amid reports indicating the Patriots’ willingness to part ways with Belichick, the Commanders have already dismissed the speculation of hiring him. Nevertheless, given Rivera’s challenges and Belichick’s impressive six Super Bowl victories, the Commanders may reconsider their initial stance.
To consider the primary concern with the team’s offense, the commanders might contemplate strengthening their head coaching position with an experienced offensive coordinator. If the preference is to look beyond internal candidates, such as Bieniemy, the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson, emerges as a realistic and promising option. Johnson has led the Lions to top-five finishes in both yards and points per game during his two seasons in Detroit.
Antonio Pierce, the interim head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, is also in contention for the head coaching job in Washington. However, his ongoing success with the Raiders may lead to him securing a permanent position in Las Vegas. If this scenario unfolds, the Commanders could miss out on a strong option to replace Rivera.
The report also suggests three additional potential candidates: Shane Waldron, the offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks; Bobby Slowik, the offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans; and Dan Quinn, the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys. These individuals present diverse options for the Commanders to consider in their quest for a new head coach.
Commanders’ record under Ron Rivera
Ron Rivera’s journey with the Washington Commanders took a disappointing turn as the regular-season finale concluded with a 4-13 record. It marked the worst performance since he assumed the head coaching position. The defeat to the Dallas Cowboys left Rivera with a challenging overall record of 27-39-1 as the Commanders’ head coach.
The 62-year-old commenced his tenure with the Commanders in 2020. Despite leading the team to the playoffs in his inaugural season, the Commanders posted a 7-9 record. Rivera’s determination to reverse the team’s losing trajectory faced hurdles in the subsequent seasons, with the Commanders recording a 7-10 record in 2021.
The 2022 season brought a marginal improvement as the Commanders secured an 8-8-1 record, offering a glimmer of hope after the struggles of the previous year. Nevertheless, the optimism was short-lived, and the 2023 season concluded with a disastrous 4-13 record.
In your opinion, should the Commanders get rid of Rivera following this season? Make sure to tell us in the comments section.
