Ron Rivera to become new head coach of Washington Redskins

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Former Panthers head coach Ron Rivera will be the next coach of the Washington Redskins, the team confirms.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rappaport, he said Rivera and Washington agreed on a 5-year deal, but it is unknown how much it is worth yet.

In a statement, Redskins owner Dan Snyder said he knew Rivera was the right person to bring winning football back to Washington D.C. after several meetings with him.

"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,” Snyder said.

Rivera said Snyder is supportive of his decisions and visions to turn the Redskins around and is excited to get to work.

“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,” Rivera said.

Rivera was fired earlier this month after setting the record for the most wins by a coach in Panthers history.

The Rivera era came to an abrupt end after the team went on a four-game losing streak and headed to its third non-playoff season in four years.

Rivera was hired in 2011 and was 76-63-1 in the regular season and a 3-4 postseason mark. In nine seasons Rivera guided the team to three NFC South titles, an NFC championship and a Super Bowl appearance.

Rivera won NFL Coach of the Year awards in 2013 and 2015. He said that the best coaching job he did though was in 2014, when the Panthers started 3-8-1, but made the playoffs after winning four straight games, and then won a playoff game.

Off the field, Rivera was heavily involved in the community. He served as the honorary chair of the Humane Society of Charlotte and helped raise thousands of dollars for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

Rivera told a Panthers staff writer he had many fond memories in Charlotte and with the Panthers. He called himself fortunate and said he thinks back to those fond memories over the last nine seasons and how much fun they have had.

'I'm proud': Rivera says goodbye to Carolinas, vows to coach again 'I'm proud': Rivera says goodbye to Carolinas, vows to coach again

Rivera said he enjoyed being the Panthers’ head coach.

He was also highly respected by the players, staff and across the league. After Rivera’s firing, many players took to social media to share their heartfelt reactions to the news, and memories of their now former coach.

On Twitter, tight end Greg Olsen, who may have played his final game as a Panther on Sunday, wrote about the moment he was traded to the team and what others across the league said about Rivera.

“On the day I was traded to the Panthers in 2011, every player who played for Ron in Chicago said the same thing to me on my way out,” Olsen said. “'You are going to play for a great coach, but a better man.' I am so proud to have shared this nine-year journey together with you.”

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