Rivera wants to keep coaching, even as coordinator

Former Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera wants to continue coaching, even if it means no longer being front and center.

"I have several opportunities right now," Rivera told ESPN's John Keim. "I just want to make sure it's the right one."

The 62-year-old says that he has spoken with some teams and is waiting to see what happens over the next week regarding coaching vacancies. Six teams have vacancies at head coach, including both of Rivera's former employers in Washington and the Carolina Panthers.

Washington dismissed Rivera after four seasons following the team's 4-13 record in 2023. The veteran coach has compiled a 102-103-2 career record after also spending nine seasons coaching in Carolina.

Rivera previously served as a defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears (2004-06) and San Diego Chargers (2008-10). He said he isn't opposed to returning to a coordinating role. He took over play-calling duties for Washington after the team fired defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio on Nov. 24 and said he really enjoyed it.

The former head coach called his final season with the Commanders "the greatest learning experience I've had in a while."

Rivera said he regretted his handling of second-year quarterback Sam Howell. The coach named the former fifth-round pick as the team's starter last offseason. The North Carolina product threw for 3,946 yards, 21 touchdowns, and a league-high 21 interceptions with a 78.9 passer rating.

"I put a lot on Sam, and I probably shouldn't have put as much pressure on him, and I think that was probably one of the mistakes I made this year," Rivera said.

Despite being fired by owner Josh Harris, Rivera praised Commanders ownership.

"If there's one thing that we can say over the four years, it's that I think the culture is headed in the direction it needs to be headed," he said.

Washington has begun to fill some of its own vacancies this week, hiring Adam Peters as general manager.