In the first hours of the Josh Harris ownership group's first offseason in charge, Ron Rivera has been dismissed as head coach of the Washington Commanders after four seasons.
The head coach's firing comes less than 24 hours after the Commanders' season-ending 38-10 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, to clinch the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft after a 4-13 season.
"Ron helped navigate this organization through some challenging times," Harris' statement announcing Rivera's firing said. "He is a good man and thoughtful leader who has positively contributed to this organization and the NFL. I wish the Rivera family nothing but the best moving forward."
And, in what is being characterized as "a sweeping overhaul," by ESPN's Adam Schefter, Harris has hired two executives – former Golden State Warriors general manager Bob Myers and former Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman – to assist the Commanders' new ownership group's search for a new head of football operations and head coach.
"This is a crucial offseason for us, and we won't shy away from the work needed to get back to a place where we can deliver a winning culture top to bottom," Harris said in a statement shared with ESPN. "...I've known Bob a long time and watched him construct four championship teams and a highly successful organization in Golden State... He is innovative, thoughtful, well-connected across sports and understands what it takes to solidify and sustain championship infrastructure. I think he's going to be incredibly additive."
Harris announced Myers and Spielman will join an advisory committee along with Mitch Rales, Magic Johnson and David Blitzer.
Myers, who helped construct the recent championship teams in Golden State will take a leading role in identifying and coordinating interviews with candidates, according to ESPN.
"I've been fortunate to know Josh Harris for many years, and his commitment to building championship-caliber teams is what drew me here," Myers said in a statement. "In my experience, championship infrastructure begins with a strong ownership group that prioritizes culture and invests in attracting the industry's most talented and innovative leaders.
"In speaking with Josh and his team, it's clear they will do everything it takes to build out a world-class organization – one that can win on the field and make a positive mark in the DMV community. This is the type of opportunity that really inspires me, and I look forward to contributing to the next chapter of this storied franchise."
Harris' statement added: "To deliver upon our ultimate goal of becoming an elite franchise and consistently competing for the Super Bowl, there is a lot to do and first we must establish a strong organizational infrastructure led by the industry's best and most talented we must establish a strong organizational infrastructure led by the industry's best and most talented individuals."
ESPN is reporting that the current front office, including GM Martin Mayhew and head of player personnel Marty Hurney, will remain with the organization through the search process.
Rivera, the last head coach hired by Washington's previous owner Daniel Snyder in January 2020, finished his four seasons with the franchise 26-40-1. He made one trip to the playoffs, winning the NFC East in his first season in charge.
Brought in to re-set Washington's organizational culture after the dismissal of longtime team president Bruce Allen, Rivera was handed broad football powers in addition to his head coaching duties and solve the team's quarterback issue.
However, after starting eight quarterbacks, including bringing in several veterans before turning to fifth-round pick Sam Howell, he was never able to find a consistent, successful starter.