The Washington Commanders have filled its two coordinators for the 2026 season, but its former head coach interviewed elsewhere on Tuesday
The Washington Commanders were able to turn the page from the past regime, both ownership and leadership, after moving on from Ron Rivera as head coach following the 2023 season.
In what started with optimism, Rivera's tenure ended in a dud with a 26-40-1 overall record over four seasons, though a 7-9 finish in his first year was enough to lift Washington into the NFC Wild Card matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
After moving on from Rivera exactly two years and 19 days ago, the Commanders new leadership under new owner Josh Harris brought in Adam Peters as general manager and Dan Quinn as head coach with Rivera able to shift into another role.
Last spring, Cal announced that Ron Rivera would serve as the general manager of his alma mater with oversight over their budget and football staff with a contract that runs through 2028 - and compensation completely funded by donors. But the chance to return to the NFL may be back on the table after reportedly drawing another head coaching interview.
Reports on Tuesday broke that Rivera was among the in-person interviews for the Arizona Cardinals' head coaching vacancy.
While the team has elected not to announce candidates who have interviewed, Rivera becomes the latest name in a search that includes Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, Patriots passing game coordinator Thomas Brown, Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur and Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula.
Rivera's tenure in Washington ended just shy of .500 with a 102-103-2 all-time record as head coach, tied primarily tied to his nine seasons with the Carolina Panthers where he posted four playoff appearances including a Super Bowl loss against Denver.
Whether Rivera is a serious candidate for the position is unclear with the veteran coach giving the Cardinals a chance at feedback on other candidates, while the organization hasn't hired a former head coach since hiring Dennis Green in 2004.
The Cardinals moved on from Jonathan Gannon after a three year tenure as head coach, materializing into the next defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers with the Washington Commanders one of two teams within the NFC East to interview him for the vacancy.
Meanwhile, Washington filled its second coordinator vacancy after hiring Daronte Jones from the Minnesota Vikings, though the move has yet to be announced by the organization.