Report: Ron Rivera hired by Washington

The Washington Redskins are hiring Ron Rivera to be their new head coach. Rumors previously pointed to Rivera being the new boss in DC but now Mike Silver is reporting the deal has actually been agreed upon.

Rivera replaces interim head coach Bill Callahan, who was promoted after Jay Gruden was fired earlier this season. I previously offered some thoughts on this hiring:

Rivera’s a decent hire for Washington. The two-time Coach of the Year is 76-63-1 in the regular season and 3-4 in the playoffs with one Super Bowl appearance. He brings some credibility to an organization that desperately lacks that quality. Washington also did well to finally fire Bruce Allen.

Rivera is the ninth head coach Washington has employed since Dan Snyder bought the franchise back in 1999. Gruden lasted the longest out of the previous eight by making it 5.3125 seasons before being fired. We’ll see if Rivera can find success in a franchise operated by a man who many consider to be one of the worst owners in professional sports.

Rivera previously coached in the NFC East as the Eagles’ linebackers coach on Andy Reid’s original staff from 1999 through 2003. Rivera also has a relationship with Eagles head coach Doug Pederson:

“Just overall he’s a genuine human being. A lot of respect for him and what he’s done not only on the field but off the field. His wife and my wife are old friends as well.”

Pederson is 1-1 in two games against Rivera.

The Eagles are 6-0 in their last six games against Washington. Rivera’s presence could make it tougher for Philly to keep up their winning streak.

...

For a Washington perspective on Rivera, check out Hogs Haven.