Commanders Contract Extension 'Part of Discussion' With Owners, Says Ron Rivera

Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera is yet to enter talks over a new contract but stated that things are being worked on.
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Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera enters this season with renewed hope and optimism after an offseason of welcome change. Dan Snyder is out as owner, and a group led by Philadelphia 76ers owner Josh Harris has taken over.

Then Eric Bieniemy took over the offensive coordinator role from Scott Turner as well as being named assistant head coach, and Sam Howell was named starting quarterback. But one thing seems to have gotten lost...Rivera's contract situation.

Rivera is entering the fourth year of the five-year deal he signed in 2020 and stated that his contract status is a discussion point with the new owners.

“Those are all things that are all part of our discussion," Rivera said. "And again, these are things that we talk about, we're working into. There's a lot to do, and to assume anything's going to happen immediately is unfair because they are still learning and understanding us, and we're still talking with them and trying to get things lined up and in order.”

For some, Bieniemy being named assistant head coach is a subtle indication that a changeover might be happening sooner rather than later.

Looking at Rivera's coaching record, we get an indication of why that might be the case. He hasn't had a winning season since 2017, when with the Carolina Panthers, and hasn't made the playoffs just once since 2017 as well.

But there were promising signs last season despite the 8-8-1 record as the Commanders, for a large part of the year, looked destined for a playoff berth.

Unfortunately, a collapse towards the end of the season meant the team missed out, but it was a step in the right direction.

With a sense of hope now flooding the once embattled organization, maybe this season is where it all clicks for Washington. If it does, then maybe an extension is coming for Rivera, but if things go sideways, perhaps it won't be long before Bieniemy is in the head coaching chair.


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