WASHINGTON — The Washington Commanders on Monday released head coach Ron Rivera, the team confirmed first to WUSA9.
Thus begins yet another new chapter for the team that just saw a change in ownership less than six months ago. Rivera coached under two owners, Dan Snyder and the Josh Harris group, and his overall record in Washington was 26-40-1, with just four wins in his final season.
The overhaul began quickly. The team confirmed executives Bob Myers and Rick Spielman will assist in the search for Rivera's replacement. Harris told gathered reporters that the search for new leadership will be "thorough but rapid."
Harris said the goal is to build an elite franchise that competes for championships.
"We need the next leadership here because we have a lot of work to do, but on the other hand, this is a really important decision," Harris said.
Harris said it's important for him to conduct the search personally but spoke about the two people he brought on to help with the search — Myers and Spielman.
When asked why he brought in Myers and Spielman, he said the former GMs' resumes speak for themselves.
Myers is a former General Manager for the Golden State Warriors. Spielman is a former General Manager for the Minnesota Vikings. Myers helped lead the Warriors to four championships in the NBA and is currently an analyst at ESPN. Spielman has been a front-office executive in the NFL for 30 years. Myers will take a lead role in identifying candidates and coordinating interviews for those candidates. The search will begin immediately, the team confirms.
"Bob Myers is a winner. Who wouldn't want him on your team," Harris said. "Obviously Rick Spielman brings a wealth of football knowledge that you need when interviewing candidates."
As far as next steps, Harris said he wouldn't get into specifics about how many candidates they will be speaking to, or how long the search could take.
"Obviously, if we could write the script, it would be a quick turnaround... Sometimes when you do things quickly you set yourself back," Harris said.
Rivera used his farewell statement to thank the fans for what he called "unwavering support" during some turbulent years for the team.
"Through all the name changes, roster moves, non-football headlines and seasons that did not meet your expectations, you still stood by this team. We did win an NFC East title in 2020, but we fell short since then, and for that I am truly disappointed. You are loyal, passionate fans and I only see good things ahead for you all," Rivera said in a statement.
He thanked leadership as well, calling Josh Harris a "great steward" for the Commanders.
In the locker room Monday, players reacted to Rivera's departure. Starting quarterback Sam Howell said Rivera has had a lasting impact.
"I have a lot of respect for Coach Rivera, he's given me an opportunity to be the starter here. Unfortunately, things didn't go as we planned and we didn't have a great year. It's always tough, but at the end of the day he's a good man, a good coach, we was always good to me and definitely definitely he'll be someone I appreciate for the rest of my life,"
Offensive lineman Charles Leno also spoke Monday.
"It's part of the business. That's what happens when you have a season like this," Leno said. "Everybody loves Ron Rivera as a person, but when you're the leader of the ship, someone has to go down with it."
Harris also took a moment to thank the fanbase. He noted that all games were sold out, despite a four-win season.
"The future is bright. We're very committed to winning for this city," he said.
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