Friday 3 January 2020 11:04, UK
The Washington Redskins have confirmed Ron Rivera as their new head coach.
Rivera, who turns 58 on January 7, was fired by the Carolina Panthers after a 5-7 start to this season, capping a nine-year tenure in which he went 76-63-1 and led Carolina to a Super Bowl 50 appearance. Coincidentally, his last game was a 29-21 home loss to Washington.
He replaces interim coach Bill Callahan, who finished the season after Jay Gruden was fired following an 0-5 start.
Redskins owner Dan Snyder said: "After several meetings with Coach Rivera, it was clear he is the right person to bring winning football back to Washington D.C.
"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."
Rivera, who has reportedly agreed to a five-year deal, is excited by the young talent on Washington's roster.
"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," said Rivera.
"After meeting Dan Snyder, it was clear we are aligned in our passion for the game and he supports my vision to turn the team around. I look forward to surrounding myself with great people and getting to work."
The move comes one day after team president and general manager Bruce Allen was fired after 10 seasons. Allen held various roles in the organisation and maintained personnel control for most of that span aside from a stretch with Scot McCloughan as general manager.
NBC Sports Washington reported ahead of Monday's meeting that Rivera would likely have total personnel control, including final say on the team's 2020 draft, with the possibility that Washington names a full-time general manager after the draft.
Washington has the No 2 pick in the first round of this year's draft.
