Ron Rivera leaves the Panthers as the most successful coach in franchise history. In his farewell press conference on Wednesday, Rivera told the media that he plans to continue coaching. Rivera will likely get plenty of interest for potential head coaching jobs in 2020.
Here are four NFL teams that can use a new coach, ranked on how far they could go with Rivera calling the shots.
4. New York Giants
Pat Shurmur should be on the hot seat as much as any coach at the conclusion of this season. He’s supposed to be an offensive-minded coach, but the 2-10 Giants are only averaging 316.7 yards (ranked No. 25) and 19.2 points per game (also No. 25 in the league). Their defense is just as bad. New York ranks No. 27 in defensive DVOA. The fit makes sense as Rivera has connections with general manager Dave Gettleman and offensive coordinator Mike Shula. However, there’s not a whole lot of talent to work with, here. Rivera can probably do better.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars
Doug Marrone is another coach who has under-performed in 2019. Heading into Week 14, Jacksonville is in last place in the AFC South at 4-8. While Jalen Ramsey may be gone, there are some legitimate building blocks here. Gardner Minshew is a promising young quarterback and D.J. Chark looks like a legitimate star wide receiver. On the other side of the ball, their defense has loads of talent, despite falling short of expectations. The Jaguars rank No. 24 in defensive DVOA. It’s not hard to imagine Rivera coming in and wringing more out of them.
2. Cleveland Browns
Freddie Kitchens looked like the next offensive wunderkind in the NFL last season. Things have stalled in Cleveland (5-7) though, as they have been known to do. Kitchens could be in trouble when the year is over in a famously dysfunctional organization. The Browns are loaded with young stars on both sides of the ball, but they can’t seem to get out of their own way. They have committed the fourth most penalties in the league this year (99). Rivera’s Panthers had the second fewest (67). He could be just the right personality to bring some discipline to a team that desperately needs it.
1. Dallas Cowboys
For years, it seemed like Jason Garrett’s job was untouchable, no matter how disappointing the results for Dallas (6-6). Based on Jerry Jones’ recent comments, that grace period may finally be running out. The Cowboys have the personnel on offense to fit Rivera’s run-first philosophy and they also have a loaded defense – especially in the linebacker corps. Play-makers like Leighton Vander Esch and Jaylon Smith could become elite defenders under Rivera’s guidance. Rivera also hasn’t had a weapon up front like DeMarcus Lawrence in his career. Dallas’ defense might turn out to be something special if Rivera were to take over.
