Commanders fire coach Ron Rivera as new ownership begins making changes

ASHBURN, Va. — Ron Rivera was fired Monday as coach of the Washington Commanders, a long-anticipated move new owners made as they put their stamp on the NFL franchise they bought last year. “We didn’t get it done on the field, and so we’ve decided to go into a new direction.” Rivera’s firing came as no surprise to anyone, including the veteran coach who went 26-40-1 with Washington, including one playoff appearance in 2020 for finishing atop an uncharacteristically weak NFC East at 7-9 and never having a winning season. “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.” AP AUDIO: Washington Commanders fire coach Ron Rivera. “It’s important that I do this personally and get this right and that we bring in the right leadership.” Rivera was hired by Snyder on New Year’s Day 2020, less than a month after the veteran coach was fired by the Carolina Panthers, who he coached to the Super Bowl in the 2015 season. “There’s only 32 of these jobs, there’s only 32 of these teams and you always appreciate that opportunity.” Players lauded his conduct throughout his final season, with receiver Terry McLaurin saying Rivera never brought a bad attitude and defensive tackle Daron Payne praising the coach’s optimism.