Ron Rivera, who was fired after four seasons as head coach of the Commanders earlier Monday, thanked the players and coaches for the commitment and expressed his disappointment at failing to achieve more during his time in Washington.
"I want every Washington fan to know how much I appreciate your unwavering support," Rivera said in a statement. "Through all the name changes, roster moves, non-football headlines and seasons that did not meet your expectations, you still stood by this team. We did win an NFC East title in 2020, but we fell short since then and for that, I am truly disappointed."
The departing head coach praised fans for being loyal and passionate and that he only sees "good things ahead for you all."
"As for Washington, it wasn't easy and there is a lot more to be done, but I believe we began to change the culture of this organization in meaningful ways," the statement said. "And on a personal note, it has been one of the greatest honors of my career to serve this franchise and those who cheer it on every week."
In a statement announcing Rivera's firing, owner Josh Harris thanked the coach and his wife, Stephanie, "for all they did for the Commanders and DMV community, especially during the ownership transition."
"Ron helped navigate this organization through some challenging times," Harris' statement read. "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."
Rivera thanked the Harris group for the support they gave him and the team this season and said he "enjoyed working" with them over the past five and a half months and said "Washington is lucky to have" him as an owner.
"It was evident from the very moment we met that you are going to be a great steward for this team. You have already shown the fans your full commitment to rebuilding this franchise and renewing the unshakable bonds between this team and the entire Washington community," Rivera said.
He also thanked he players for their "professionalism, toughness, work ethic and dedication to the game" and for showing up "every day, wiling to play hard for the team and that commitment will serve you well as better days are ahead."
"To the coaches, thank you for your hard work and 24/7 commitment to this team. I am grateful for your dedication to your craft and your mission to make each of your players the best they can be," he said.
Rivera did not indicate anything about his immediate future but did reflect on how his life has "always been football and it is a wonderful life."
"As a player, and now as a coach, I've watched in amazement every week as the impossible is done again and again on the field," the statement continued. "I have tremendous respect for the NFL because of all that it does to lift communities and bring people together. Football has become an integral part of America and America is a part of what is truly great about football."
Rivera's tenure in Washington came to an end after a 4-13 finish to the 2023 season. His record in Washington was 26-40-1 with one trip to the playoffs after winning the NFC East in his first season in 2020. Rivera, who spent nine seasons at the halm in Carolina before he was fired in the middle of the 2019 season, has a 102-103-2 record as a NFL head coach over 13 seasons.
