The Las Vegas Raiders are set to interview Ron Rivera, a highly experienced NFL head coach, as part of their ongoing search for a new leader. According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, Rivera will meet with the Raiders after already interviewing for head coaching positions with the Chicago Bears and New York Jets.
Having spent the 2024 season out of football, Rivera is eager to return to coaching. This marks his first year away from the game since 1996. While a role as an assistant coach could also be an option for Rivera to re-enter the league, he is now under consideration for head coaching roles with three different teams.
The Raiders’ primary target appears to be Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, a rising star in coaching circles. Johnson is reportedly a top contender for the Raiders’ job but is also being courted by the Jacksonville Jaguars, who have a strong roster led by franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence. The Jaguars’ position might be more appealing due to their competitive advantage in a weaker division, as opposed to the challenges the Raiders face in the AFC West.
This dynamic mirrors Rivera’s past experiences. During his time as head coach of the Washington Commanders, Rivera led the team to the playoffs in 2020 despite a losing 7-9 record, benefiting from a weakened NFC East after Dak Prescott’s season-ending injury. However, his tenure in Washington saw mixed results. While he stabilized the franchise in 2021 and 2022, the Commanders struggled in 2023, finishing with a 4-13 record and an eight-game losing streak. Compounding the team’s woes, there were reported disagreements between Rivera and team ownership, particularly regarding the trade of Montez Sweat and the decision to build the 2023 season around young quarterback Sam Howell.
Rivera’s resume also includes a successful nine-year stint as head coach of the Carolina Panthers. During his tenure, he led the team to its second Super Bowl appearance in franchise history and secured four playoff berths. Notably, Rivera’s Panthers made the playoffs in 2014 with a 7-8-1 record, showcasing his ability to navigate challenges and guide a team to success in less-than-ideal circumstances.
At 63 years old, Rivera is among the older candidates in this year’s coaching cycle. However, the Raiders have shown a willingness to consider veteran coaches, as evidenced by their interviews with Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, 73, and Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, 65. Despite this openness, third opportunities as head coaches are relatively rare in the NFL. Rivera’s age and the Raiders’ history of quick-trigger firings under owner Mark Davis could present challenges to a potential long-term tenure in Las Vegas. No Raiders head coach has lasted more than four seasons since Art Shell’s first stint with the team.
The Raiders’ recent coaching instability is notable. Davis has fired head coaches Josh McDaniels and interim coach Antonio Pierce in quick succession, creating uncertainty around the franchise’s leadership. The involvement of Tom Brady, a minority owner of the team, could also influence the direction of the coaching search. With the Raiders yet to find sustained success under their current ownership, the prospect of Rivera bucking the trend and achieving long-term stability with the franchise seems unlikely.
Meanwhile, Rivera’s candidacy highlights the ongoing competition for top coaching talent in the NFL. Should Johnson accept another offer, the Raiders and other teams in need of a head coach, such as the Bears and Jets, may have to pivot to alternative options. Rivera’s experience and track record make him a viable candidate, even if his best years as a head coach came during his time with the Panthers.
As the coaching carousel spins, Rivera’s potential return to the sidelines will be a storyline to watch. Whether he lands with the Raiders, Bears, or Jets, Rivera’s wealth of experience and leadership qualities will likely make him a valuable asset for any team willing to take a chance on a seasoned head coach.
