Back to school: Ron Rivera joins staff at alma mater Cal

Field Level Media|published: Wed 5th February, 14:58 2025

Jan 7, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera on the field before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images

Ron Rivera, who took the Carolina Panthers to the Super Bowl a decade ago, said Wednesday he's headed to the football staff at Cal, his alma mater.

The former coach of the Panthers and Washington Commanders, Rivera interviewed for head coaching jobs with the Chicago Bears and New York Jets this offseason but didn't land any offers. But he seems content with his Plan B, and, after all, if six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach Bill Belichick can work on the NCAA level, he can, too.

"Coach Belichick has made going back to school, cool," Rivera posted to X about his new job. "Stay tuned I am coming home."

Coach Belichick has made going back to school, cool. Stay tuned I am coming home. @CalAthletics @UCBerkeley @Cal #GoBears??
— Ron Rivera (@RiverboatRonHC) February 5, 2025

ESPN reported that Rivera, 63, largely will help Cal head coach Justin Wilcox and the program in an administrative role. He'll assist in overseeing the big picture of the program, including budget and coaching staff, per the report.

Rivera was an All-American linebacker at Cal after his senior season in 1983. That year, he set a school record with 26.5 tackles behind the line of scrimmage, including 13 sacks. He had 337 tackles during his Golden Bears career.

He was inducted into the California Athletics Hall of Fame in 1994.

This will be the first foray into college for Rivera, who posted a 102-103-2 record with the Panthers (2011-19) and Washington (2020-23).

He was fired by the Commanders following the 2023 season.

--Field Level Media