Commanders' Coach Rivera Reveals Shift in Focus After Sale
Few people inside the Washington Commanders organization have benefitted more from the franchise's sale than head coach Ron Rivera.
With Josh Harris buying the Commanders from Dan Snyder, it has allowed Rivera to go from being the de facto spokesperson for the organization to finally being able to focus on coaching. With the shift in focus from the organization as a whole to just coaching the team, his presence for both sides of the ball will increase.
“I think involvement primarily on the defensive side will increase," Rivera said. "I mean, obviously [Defensive Coordinator] Jack [Del Rio] is still the coordinator, still will call all the plays and put the plans together, but I'll be around a little bit more."
Rivera cut his teeth as a defensive coordinator before working his way up to become the Carolina Panthers' head coach in 2011. His involvement with the Commanders' defense should help an already strong unit.
Washington was seventh in points allowed per game in 2022.
Where Rivera's presence may be felt the most is by Washington offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. While the offense isn't Rivera's area of expertise, his presence will benefit Bieniemy in his first season with Washington.
Bieniemy has experience from his time as the Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator, but he had head coach Andy Reid to lean on, one of the best offensive minds in the game.
"I will pop in on [Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator] Eric [Bienemy] and his guys a little bit more," Rivera said. "Again, I will work with Eric, continue to mentor Eric and help him in his quest. But those are the types of things that I'll be able to focus a little bit more on.”
For the first time in four years with the Commanders, Rivera can focus on football. With the shift in focus, Washington may be poised to see a boost on both sides of the ball with Rivera more in the fold.
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