Washington Commanders Coach Ron Rivera Feels the Impact of New Ownership
ASHBURN, VA. — The Washington Commanders’ new coach, Ron Rivera, wasted no time in recognizing the significance of the team’s recent ownership change. The impact was palpable as fans flocked to FedEx Field to show their support for Josh Harris, who took over as owner just a day earlier. The enthusiasm extended to the team’s practice facility, which has been expanded to accommodate the growing number of fans attending training camp.
Rivera acknowledged the immediate impact, stating, “You can already feel the impact. A lot has to do with the reaction from the fan base. Our guys have also felt it. The guys, they’re getting into this. It’s kind of unique.”
While the ownership change has brought a wave of positive energy, Rivera understands that sustained success on the field is crucial for both the team and his job security. After all, it was former owner Dan Snyder who hired him, not Harris.
“I’ve got a lot to prove because I really do think we’ve put ourselves in a really good position,” Rivera said. “We’re a good young team with key veterans at key positions. Now is the opportunity to go.”
Rivera’s first season with the Commanders in 2020 saw them win the NFC East with a 7-9 record. However, they have failed to make the playoffs in the past two years and haven’t had a winning season since 2016.
The team’s recent close calls have only fueled Rivera’s determination to succeed. In 2021, they finished with a 6-6 record but lost four of their last five games. The previous year, they were 7-5-1 but went 1-3 down the stretch, missing the playoffs by a single game.
“We’ve been too close,” Rivera admitted. “It’s time now to sustain it and just proving that these are the guys, these are the coaches, that I’m the right guy to help this organization continue to go forward.”
The Commanders enter the upcoming season with renewed optimism, thanks in part to their young and talented roster. The fan excitement surrounding Harris’ ownership has also contributed to the positive atmosphere. To accommodate the expected increase in training camp attendance, the team has added nearly 3,000 seats around their practice fields.
“A lot has to do with the feeling that so many people are behind us,” Rivera explained. “It was… it was different when you’re having to deal with stuff outside of football. Now it’s about football. I’m fired up. I am.”
Rivera has already had discussions with Harris, exchanging thoughts on their respective philosophies. Harris assured Rivera of his commitment to providing the necessary support.
“The thing that was stressed to me from Mr. Harris and some of his other partners,” Rivera revealed, “was this is about job one, and that’s putting together a winning football team.”
Harris will attend Washington’s practice on Wednesday, although it won’t be open to fans. Rivera and Harris plan to spend more time together after practice to address the team’s unfinished business resulting from the ownership change. Some moves, such as officially naming Travelle Wharton as their offensive line coach, have yet to be made official.
Rivera also intends to discuss possible contract extensions with key players like defensive end Montez Sweat and safety Kamren Curl. However, for now, his conversations with Harris have been more general in nature.
Since joining the Commanders, Rivera has faced numerous challenges, including questions about the team’s name change, his battle with cancer, investigations into past organizational misconduct, and ongoing off-field issues. With the ownership change, Rivera is relieved to shift the focus back to football.
“Every time I came in and had to answer [the media’s] questions, I [wondered] what it would be like to just talk about football,” Rivera admitted. “The last few years I felt more like a manager.”
Now, with the energy brought by the ownership change, Rivera can provide more input to defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio and participate in offensive meetings under coordinator Eric Bieniemy.
“It does bring energy,” Rivera affirmed. “And that will help us.”
As the Commanders embark on the upcoming season, the combination of a supportive fan base, a talented roster, and an energized coaching staff provides a promising foundation for success. Only time will tell if this ownership change will be the catalyst needed to propel the team back into contention and restore their winning ways.