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The New York Giants’ calculus regarding the future of their head coaching position could be getting complicated quickly.
ESPN is reported Saturday that sources around the NFL and within the Washington Redskins organization consider former Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera to be a “primary candidate” for their head coaching vacancy. Washignton’s interest in Rivera was also reported Saturday by Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network.
Former #Panthers coach Ron Rivera has emerged as a top coaching candidate & has told people he expects a deal to come together quickly, sources say. It could even be 24 hours after Week 17 ends. The #Redskins have interest, tho other teams without openings yet are also circling.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 28, 2019
The Panthers fired Rivera on Dec. 3 as new owner David Tepper wanted to move the franchise in a new direction.
[UPDATE]
Adam Schefter of ESPN has reported that Rivera will be meeting with the Redskins Monday morning.
Ron Rivera is meeting with the Washington Redskins on Monday, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 30, 2019
As Rapoport says, a deal with Rivera will likely come together quickly, with Rivera saying to NFL.com’s Michael Silver, “I’m ready to roll, and I’m ready to make a quick decision. Rivera also knows that there is interest in his services around the NFL, “In a roundabout way, word gets to you -- but nothing’s for sure (until an actual offer comes). So all you can do is prepare and be ready. That’s kind of what I’ve tried to do.”
Rivera also told Silver that he has spent the time since being released by the Panthers preparing for his next job, keeping track of teams which will, or could, hire a new head coach, doing research on those teams, and also reviewing his own work and philosophies as a coach.
With the Giants’ own coaching situation in doubt, Rivera has considered as an option if the Giants choose to fire Pat Shurmur but retain Dave Gettleman. Not only would he be reunited with Gettleman, but the grace with which he handled his dismissal was seen as a plus for dealing with the New York media market.
However, he could be off the market before the Giants even commit to making a coaching change. As a minority coaching candidate, his interview would satisfy the Rooney Rule and Washington could hire him immediately.
There is still one more game to play before the 2019 regular season is concluded, but the coaching carousel is already starting to spin up.
Stay with Big Blue View through what will certainly be an eventful few days in the NFL.