Commanders' Sam Howell 'Thankful' For Ron Rivera, Excited About Future Under Owner Josh Harris

Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell was thankful to former head coach Ron Rivera for giving him his opportunity and also stated that he's excited about the future going forward.

The Washington Commanders are now fully in offseason mode. With their season finishing at a disappointing 4-13 with Sam Howell in his first year as a starter, things didn't quite to go plan.

As such, Ron Rivera was relieved of his duties as he was the first domino to fall in what will no doubt be an offseason of sweeping changes for the organization.

For Howell, he had a nice parting message for his now-former head coach.

“It's always tough, always the end of the year is always tough, just saying goodbye to everybody and just getting the news about coach Rivera is always tough," Howell said. "He's a good man, good coach was good to me, good to all the players here so definitely thankful for everything he's done for me and for the opportunities he's given me for sure.”

Howell himself has seen his future in the organization be put up in the air as the Commanders currently hold the coveted No. 2 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Nov 12, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) signals to the sideline during the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field / Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

With a host of talented quarterbacks led by Caleb Williams and Drake Maye, the Commanders have a decision to make. But to make an informed one, a new head coach must be hired.

It will be just one of what many expect to be a whole host of changes this offseason, but that has Howell excited for what's next.

“Obviously change, it can either be a good thing or a bad thing," Howell said. "I think it's going to be good here and I think Mr. Harris and his team are going to do a good job of bringing the right people in here, so I think there's definitely a lot to be excited about.”

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Washington is embarking on an exciting new journey with an ownership group intent on restoring the team to its past glory, but that will take time.

With so many key decisions yet to be made, it appears that Howell is ready for whatever happens going forward.