Black Monday has claimed the job of Ron Rivera.
The Washington Commanders parted ways with the 61-year-old Rivera on Monday after four seasons, according to ESPN.
The Commanders had a record of 26-40-1 during Rivera’s tenure, including this year’s 4-13 campaign that ended with a 38-10 loss to the Cowboys on Sunday.
This decision has been looming for months, as it was presumed that the new ownership group led by Josh Harris, the private equity titan who also owns the Philadelphia 76ers, would want to build their own leadership team after purchasing the franchise from Daniel Snyder for $6.05 billion last year.
Rivera, 61, could have potentially survived if the team went on a successful run, but that did not materialize.
The Commanders won the NFC East in Rivera’s first season despite a 7-9 record and lost to the Buccaneers in the wild-card round.
They had not returned to the playoffs since.
Rivera got the Commanders job after spending nine seasons as head coach of the Panthers, a tenure highlighted by a 15-1 record and Super Bowl berth in the 2015-’16 season.
As a player, he had a nine-year career at linebacker with the Bears, including being a member of their fabled 1985 defense.
It is unclear whether Rivera will retire now, or perhaps pursue a job in media or even the NFL league office.
As for the Commanders, their search should be fascinating.
At various times during the season, there has been speculation that they could try to work out a trade with the Patriots for Bill Belichick, or perhaps with the Steelers for Mike Tomlin.
Harris was a minority owner in the Steelers’ organization prior to purchasing the Commanders.
The Commanders hold the second pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and must also make the decision as to whether Sam Howell is the quarterback of the future, or if the franchise wants to either sign a veteran in free agency or start over with a top pick.
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