Ron Rivera Fired: Five Head Coaches Who Can Save Washington Commanders and Magic Johnson

Published 01/08/2024, 10:40 AM EST

Ron Rivera has been relieved of his duties in Washington. The Commanders announced via a social media post on Monday. The head coach closed the 2023 season with a 4-13 in the cards, his worst record since joining in 2020. But what next for Magic Johnson‘s side?

Following the end of the regular season, a couple of head coaches are free in the market. But the 3x Super Bowl winners need to be specific to prevent a continuous downfall. So which NFL coach stylistically matches the Commanders’ role, topping their priority list?

5 head coaches who can replace Ron Rivera in Washington

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1. Bill Belichick

The Belichick era is expected to end at the Patriots, and pundits like Rich Eisen believe it. If the former defensive coordinator is free in the offseason, the Commanders should look no further than the legend himself to replace Rivera. Belichick believes he still has enough left in him to give to the Gridiron.

2. Arthur Smith

The Falcons‘ head coach fell off owner Arthur Blank’s radar after another 7-10 season, despite being his favorite. Smith tried his best with the star-laden Falcons, but all he needed was a potent QB who could handle their offensive talents. Desmond Ridder wasn’t meant to be the one, but maybe Sam Howell is the one.

3. Jim Harbaugh

If Magic Johnson wants to build his dynasty from scratch, he has a live example in front of him in the Wolverines‘ Harbaugh. Give him any team, and Harbaugh will make it a success. And that’s historically proven in the NFL as well. Harbaugh won three consecutive NFC titles with the 49ers and took them to a Super Bowl against elder brother John, but fell short.

4. Brandon Staley

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Staley was the man credited with the Rams‘ defensive revolution before they won the Super Bowl. The Rams led the NFL’s total defense under their relatively new coordinator. While Staley’s lack of head coaching experience let his Chargers‘ reign down, he now has that if the Commanders place a call for him in the offseason.

5. Raheem Morris

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If Johnson wants someone with a defensive connection but of active status, then he could really push for Staley’s successor Morris. Morris, to say the least, has maintained Staley’s standard, and is getting better every season. They recently took the NFC leader 49ers down. And even without Purdy and McCaffrey, handling the 49ers defense is something to shine in Morris’s CV.

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My story of becoming an NFL writer is as interesting as my story of becoming an MMA practitioner. Coming from such a sport where athletes look to knock the brain cells off each other for a living, I liked the aggression that American Football had to offer. Before I even realized it, I religiously started following American football, picking up the most challenging in-depth write-ups.

Edited by:

Garima Yadav

Ron Rivera Fired: Five Head Coaches Who Can Save Washington Commanders and Magic Johnson

5 head coaches who can replace Ron Rivera in Washington

1. Bill Belichick

2. Arthur Smith

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3. Jim Harbaugh

4. Brandon Staley

5. Raheem Morris