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Ex-NFL coach Ron Rivera follows Bill Belichick’s lead as he returns to his collegiate roots.
The former head coach of the Washington Commanders and Carolina Panthers has accepted a position with the California Golden Bears, his alma mater, as he announced on Wednesday.
Rivera is set to assume a role akin to that of a “general manager,” according to CBS Sports.
“Our alum, Ron Rivera, is an icon in football for good reason, and I am thrilled to be in discussions with him about the details of joining the Cal team to support and advance the program,” stated California Chancellor Richard K. Lyons.
Rivera showcased his talents as a linebacker at California from 1980 to 1983, where he earned All-American honors and was named the 1983 Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year. His stellar performance led to his selection by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the 1984 NFL Draft.
After being dismissed 12 games into the 2019 season, Rivera became the head coach of Washington, where he guided the team to a 26-40-1 record over four seasons before his release following the 2023 season.
Although Rivera did not coach in the NFL this season, he interviewed for head coaching positions with the Chicago Bears and New York Jets during the league’s hiring cycle.
As for the California Golden Bears, they are looking to rebound after finishing with a 6-7 record, marking their inaugural season in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The North Carolina Tar Heels, now under the leadership of Bill Belichick, also compete in the ACC.
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