NFL alum Ron Rivera will not be in training camp as a head coach for the first time in 13 years.
Rivera, the former Bears linebacker who transitioned into coaching after his playing days, was released as head coach by the new Washington Commanders ownership group at the end of the 2023 season. He had been the Panthers head coach from 2011-19 before he was hired in the same role by Washington in 2020.
“Riverboat Ron”—as he is nick-named for his aggressive play-calling– has spent a great deal of time in recent months back in the Charlotte region where he and wife Stephanie are beloved figures and known for their community involvement.
“This is a tremendous area”, says the 62-year-old Rivera. “I wish nothing but the best for the Charlotte community and this team. They’re giving themselves a chance to build it up again (after six losing seasons) and I think that’s a real smart move. They hired a good young offensive-minded head coach (Dave Canales). Hopefully, with time and growth, the organization can get back on track. I definitely am pulling for them. I hope the fans are patient like they were for me a decade ago.”
Rivera is the winningest coach (79-67-1) in Panthers’ history. However, he admitted that an early error he made as a first-time head coach in Carolina was that he did not add mentors, who had been former head coaches, to his staff quickly enough.
“That was one of my first mistakes,” Rivera recently told the Charlotte Observer. “My first two years I didn’t have a head coach mentor, someone I could go to for guidance or a needed opinion. Thank goodness, my owner– the late Jerry Richardson—helped connect me with John Madden, who really helped a lot. You want to have people like Coach Madden who will tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear.”
We at NFL Alumni hope that Ron Rivera enjoys his first summer away from coaching in over a decade. We also thank him for always giving his time and showing his support for his fellow alumni at every opportunity. Enjoy your time off, Riverboat Ron!
