When the Carolina Panthers parted ways with head coach Ron Rivera earlier this offseason, it was inevitable that he would land on his feet in short order.
There were multiple teams rumored to be interested in his services, including the New York Giants, Cleveland Browns and Dallas Cowboys. But before any of those organizations could make their pitch, Rivera was signing on the dotted line in Washington.
But why Washington? And more importantly, why would Rivera opt to pass on the other teams without even interviewing?
Rivera has finally answered that question, explaining to the Chicago Tribune why he was so quick to sign with the Redskins and why he passed on teams like the Giants.
“It’s funny because everyone kept asking, ‘Why did you take the job so quickly?'” Rivera said. “It ain’t about the money. I really thought about it. I could’ve waited on the Giants. I could’ve waited on Cleveland. I could’ve waited on Dallas. Those are the teams we kept hearing [had interest]. This is about the fit, and the more I listened, the more I looked at it, the more I looked at the roster, that’s what impressed me the most, the more I knew.”
“I came in [to initial talks] with some trepidation, but as I’ve gotten to know Mr. Snyder, I understand really all he wants to do is figure out how to win, and that is pretty exciting.”
After Rivera had signed with Washington, some had suggested he simply didn’t want to work with general manager Dave Gettleman. However, Rivera previously dismissed that, saying he absolutely could have worked with Gettleman again.
Ultimately, Rivera liked what he saw on Washington’s roster and the offer made by Dan Synder was one that could not be refused. It’s apparently as simple as that.
