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"After several meetings with Coach Rivera, it
was clear he is the right person to bring winning football back
to Washington, D.C.," Redskins owner Dan Snyder said. "He is
widely respected around the league as a man of great integrity
and has proven to be one of the finest coaches in the country."
Rivera has more than 20 years of coaching experience, including
most of the past nine seasons as head coach of the Carolina
Panthers.
Rivera, who turns 58 on Jan. 7, was fired by Carolina on Dec. 3
after a loss -- to the Redskins -- dropped the Panthers to 5-7.
His tenure in Charlotte included a 76-63-1 record, four playoff
appearances and an appearance in Super Bowl 50. He was named the
NFL's Coach of the Year in 2013 and 2015.
Rivera replaces interim coach Bill Callahan, who finished the
season after Jay Gruden was fired following an 0-5 start. The
Redskins haven't been to the playoffs since 2015 and haven't won
a Super Bowl since the 1991 season.
"While I love the storied history of the franchise, I am focused
on the future and excited for the opportunity to win football
games with this talented young team," said Rivera, who will be
introduced at a press conference Thursday. "After meeting Dan
Snyder, it was clear we are aligned in our passion for the game
and he supports my vision to turn the team around. I look
forward to surrounding myself with great people and getting to
work."
He named his first assistant Wednesday, hiring former NFL head
coach Del Rio to lead his defense.
Del Rio, 56, was head coach for 12 seasons with the Oakland
Raiders (2015-17) and Jacksonville Jaguars (2003-11). He
compiled a 93-94 record with three playoff appearances.
The former NFL linebacker was the defensive coordinator for
coach John Fox with both the Panthers in 2002 and the Denver
Broncos from 2012-14.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that Rivera plans to
interview incumbent offensive coordinator Kevin O'Connell for
the same position.
According to multiple reports, Callahan will not be retained by
Rivera in his old position of offensive line coach, and most of
the defensive staff also will be let go.
Callahan, 63, is regarded as one of the top O-line coaches in
the league, having coached strong units with the New York Jets
(2008-11), Dallas Cowboys (2012-14) and Redskins (2015-19).
--Field Level Media
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