Commanders Owner Josh Harris Evaluating Coach Ron Rivera's Future as Team Faces Thanksgiving Day Game Against Cowboys

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23/11/2023 19h43

In a season filled with ups and downs, Commanders owner Josh Harris is carefully evaluating the performance of head coach Ron Rivera as the team prepares for their Thanksgiving Day matchup against the Cowboys. Harris, who took over the franchise in July, has maintained patience and a long-term perspective, choosing to thoroughly assess the team he acquired before making any sweeping changes.

Sources within the organization reveal that Harris intends to evaluate Rivera's body of work after the conclusion of the regular season, particularly if the Commanders fail to secure a playoff spot. A strong showing in the remaining games would be crucial in solidifying the team's direction heading into the offseason.

However, the Commanders enter today's Thanksgiving Day game against the Cowboys with a sense of disappointment following a demoralizing loss to the Giants. Rivera himself acknowledged that it was a "low point" for the team, especially considering that the Giants started undrafted rookie quarterback Tommy DeVito. The defeat has left the Commanders reeling, raising questions about the potential impact on the evaluation plans.

Ron Rivera's coaching career carries a significant amount of respect within the NFL. With a career record of 102-97-2, Rivera has led the organization to 26 victories, including a playoff appearance in 2020. Throughout his tenure, Rivera has displayed resilience, successfully overcoming a battle with cancer while dealing with off-the-field investigations during former owner Dan Snyder's tenure.

Rivera's relationship with Harris has been described as strong, characterized by mutual respect and extensive football discussions. The Commanders' ownership team is not eager to make any mid-season coaching changes and is willing to give Rivera a fair evaluation once the season concludes.

The Commanders' ultimate goal is to demonstrate progress and showcase their commitment to moving in the right direction. A strong showing against the Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day would help solidify their aspirations and potentially bolster the team's overall performance.

Insiders within the organization emphasize that changing coaches mid-season rarely provides the stabilizing effect desired. In some cases, a coaching change can lead to even worse outcomes, creating a situation that would be detrimental to the team's progress. Harris understands this, and through careful evaluation, he aims to make informed decisions for the future of the Commanders franchise.

As the Commanders face their Thanksgiving Day showdown against the Cowboys, the stakes are high for both Coach Ron Rivera and the team as a whole. The evaluation process looms, and it remains to be seen how the team's performance in the coming games may impact their plans moving forward.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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