Ron Rivera is entering a make-or-break year with the Washington Commanders in 2023. Rivera, who has a 22-27-1 mark in his three seasons with Washington, must win for multiple reasons.
Why would the Commanders bring him back for a fifth season if he doesn’t win in 2023? Secondly, Washington will have a new owner, perhaps as soon as next month. Rivera must win to have a chance at returning for a fifth season.
There is optimism surrounding the Commanders for 2023. While that optimism isn’t shared nationally due to the uncertainty of the quarterback situation with Sam Howell expected to start, Rivera and his coaches believe in the current roster.
So when any list comes out with head coaches on the hot seat, naturally, Rivera’s inclusion is a given, right?
Pro Football Focus recently listed five coaches on the hot seat in 2023. And Rivera was not on the list. Mike McCarthy [Dallas], Kevin Stefanski [Cleveland], Brandon Staley [L.A. Chargers], Josh McDaniels [Las Vegas] and Todd Bowles [Tampa Bay] were all named.
Each of those coaches makes sense. McCarthy is seemingly always on the hot seat in Dallas, while Staley’s seat should be the warmest of any coach in the NFL.
As for Rivera, the new regime could bring him back for the final season remaining on his contract if he shows progress in 2023. If the defense plays true to form and even improves, the Commanders will need a modest improvement on offense. There’s a lot of confidence that new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy can bring that improvement.
