Raiders News: Ron Rivera Reportedly Interviewing for HC Job amid Ben Johnson Rumors
January 17, 2025
The Las Vegas Raiders will interview Ron Rivera on Friday regarding the team's current head coaching vacancy, per NFL.com.
Rivera has 13 years of experience as a head coach, recently operating in the role for the Washington Commanders from 2020-23.
Las Vegas has its sights set on several candidates throughout the current hiring cycle, as NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on Jan. 11 that the team interviewed Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and would be "willing to wait" for him to become available after the Lions' season came to a close.
As for Rivera, he ended his tenure on the Commanders with a 26-40-1 record. He was fired at the end of the 2023 season, as Washington finished last in the NFC East at 4-13.
The 63-year-old also operated as the Carolina Panthers' head coach from 2011 until the 2019 season, compiling a 76-63-1 record. The Panthers clinched four playoff berths under Rivera, making a Super Bowl 50 appearance.
Before he was a head coach, Rivera operated as a defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears from 2004-06 and the Chargers from 2008-10.
He's already interviewed with the Bears as well as the New York Jets regarding their respective head coaching openings during the current hiring cycle.
The Raiders fired head coach Antonio Pierce on Jan. 7 following a 4-13 season, as they failed to reach the playoffs for a third consecutive year. Las Vegas struggled on both sides of the ball, as its scoring defense ranked No. 26 in the NFL by allowing 25.5 points per game.
It may be difficult for Rivera to beat out Johnson for the role, as Rapoport noted on Jan. 11 that the Raiders are "said to be enamored with" the Lions offensive coordinator.
Still, he's an intriguing candidate if Las Vegas is looking for more consistency on the defensive side of the ball.