Ron Rivera, the head coach of the Washington Commanders, was already under scrutiny, and a significant 35-point loss on a nationally televised game has likely intensified the pressure on his position.
In the Thanksgiving matchup, the Washington Commanders (4-8) suffered a decisive 45-10 defeat against the Dallas Cowboys (8-3), extending their losing streak to three games and marking their fifth loss in the last six matches. This ongoing struggle has characterized a season in decline, with the team’s dysfunction laid bare for a national audience.
Despite being within reach at 20-10 by the end of the third quarter, the Commanders’ hopes were shattered as the Cowboys dominated the fourth quarter with a resounding 25-0 performance.
Also Read: Watch NFL Games on Thanksgiving and Black Friday 2023 for free
Key Question: Commanders Coach Ron Rivera’s Future
The pressing question now revolves around Ron Rivera’s future with the Commanders—will he be fired? Evaluating the likelihood of a midseason firing is challenging, given the team’s new ownership group led by Josh Harris. According to NFL Media reports on Thursday, the team’s current inclination is not to make a midseason move but rather to assess the situation at the end of the season.
However, the impact of a blowout loss remains uncertain, and historical patterns suggest that such defeats on a national stage can prompt a reevaluation of plans. Consequently, Ron Rivera might find himself on the move sooner than the organization had initially hoped, especially if the season does not witness a late turnaround.
Ron Rivera, aged 61, boasts a career record of 102-98-2. Yet, his tenure with the Washington Commanders since 2020 has been less successful, resulting in a 26-35-1 record and a playoff appearance in his first year as head coach. The team’s performance has been inconsistent, with Washington achieving seven, seven, and eight wins in Rivera’s first three full seasons. To surpass these marks this year, the Commanders would need to win their remaining five games.
With the lack of evident progress and the likelihood that the Commanders’ new ownership desires a handpicked head coach, the odds seem stacked against Ron Rivera. It appears to be only a matter of time before Washington finds itself in the coaching carousel again, reminiscent of a similar situation four years ago.
