If Ron Rivera continues his coaching career in 2024, he could have a number of options available to him. The list of teams which have the ex-Commanders head coach on their coordinator radar has grown.
The Rams met with Rivera this weekend to discuss their DC vacancy, CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones reports. That marks the second team known to have interest in him for a coordinator position, as the Cowboys have Rivera on their radar in the event Dan Quinn takes one of the two remaining head coaching positions during the 2024 hiring cycle.
Los Angeles lost Raheem Morris to the Falcons after he returned to Atlanta to become the team’s next head coach. As a result, the Rams are in need of a replacement, and Rivera easily qualifies as the most experienced candidate connected to the opening so far. The 62-year-old had a nine-year run with the Panthers before his four seasons at the helm of the Commanders.
Prior to that, Rivera served as defensive coordinator of the Bears (2004-06) and Chargers (2008-10). Both units had strong showings with him in charge, and his stock as a highly-regarded defensive mind helped earn him his two head coaching gigs. Rivera is willing to take a step back by accepting another coordinator role moving forward.
While Rivera is one a several outside staffers now linked to the Rams, Los Angeles will also consider internal candidates. Defensive backs coach Aubrey Pleasant and inside linebackers coach Chris Shula are expected to interview for the DC position this week, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reports. Shula is not on the radar of any other coordinator-needy team, but Pleasant has been floated as a potential candidate for the Packers.
Here is where things stand for the Rams as it pertains to their process of finding a Morris successor.
- Aden Durde, defensive line coach (Cowboys): Interview requested
- Ejiro Evero, defensive coordinator (Panthers): Mentioned as candidate
- Aubrey Pleasant, defensive backs coach (Rams): Expected to interview
- Ron Rivera, former head coach (Commanders): Interviewed
- Chris Shula, inside linebackers coach (Rams): Expected to interview
- Brandon Staley, former head coach (Chargers): Named as candidate
- Dennard Wilson, defensive backs coach (Ravens): To interview
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