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With the Eric Bieniemy hire fresh in the minds of most, what better time to look back on Ron Rivera’s first three years in DC and grade the overall impact he’s had on this organization.
I went back to Ron Rivera’s introductory press conference and really went through some of the key talking points he wanted to focus on when he was hired.
Change the culture...
Ron Rivera: "We have to build culture. We have to build family. If we can do that, we can win."
— Craig Hoffman (@CraigHoffman) January 2, 2020
I do feel Ron has done a good job bringing in players who believe in what this staff is trying to do, and who hold themselves and their teammates accountable both on and off the field. However, culture also encompasses winning - and to this point, Washington hasn’t been able to turn that around.
Coach-centered approach with a player-centered culture...
Rivera said that a big reason he came was because it would be a coach-centered approach, such as the Patriots, Chiefs, Seahawks, etc.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) January 2, 2020
But he also said the #Redskins need to be a "player-centered culture."
We most certainly have a coach-centered approach, and in my opinion, with Ron being the final say, I don’t think this is a good approach. However, he’s accomplished what he set out to do - be that a good or bad thing.
Embracing the history...
Ron Rivera looked at the front row of players and said ‘we are not going to do that guys’ in reference to not embracing the history of the franchise. He made it a point to say that they will under him and do things the right way. #Redskins
— Lake Lewis Jr (@LakeLewis) January 2, 2020
This one is not all on Ron, as the team was essentially forced to go through a name-change one year after he was hired. I do think he’s handled the re-brand well while still remembering our rich history and tradition.
All about winning...
"Everything we do is gonna be about winning. We're gonna do things the right way and that's the only way we're gonna do 'em, because if it doesn't help us, we're not doing it, men. That's just as simple as it gets."
— Chris Lingebach (@ChrisLingebach) January 2, 2020
Well, this one hasn’t quite worked out. Through three seasons Rivera is 22-27-1 and has yet to have a winning season. He did however win one NFC East title in 2020, although that was almost by default due to a horrible division.
Win back the fans...
Ron Rivera discussed his memories of hard it was to play at Washington. Both he and Dan Snyder discussed getting the fan base back to level of excitement.
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) January 2, 2020
I put this one last because, as they always say - winning cures all. It was always going to take some time to win back the fans, but winning on the field would certainly help that. Unfortunately, neither has happened. As a result, Washington ranked dead last in the league in attendance with an average of 58,106. Now, I do think this falls more on Dan Synder than anything, although not having a winning season surely doesn’t help matters.
After three seasons in Washington, what grades do you give Ron Rivera? Please discuss in the comments section.
Poll
What grade do you give Ron Rivera as a head coach?
This poll is closed
-
2%
A
(50 votes) -
20%
B
(500 votes) -
50%
C
(1240 votes) -
22%
D
(550 votes) -
4%
F
(122 votes)
Poll
What grade do you give Ron Rivera in player personnel decisions?
This poll is closed
-
2%
A
(57 votes) -
23%
B
(503 votes) -
37%
C
(791 votes) -
26%
D
(554 votes) -
9%
F
(203 votes)
Poll
What is your overall impression of Ron Rivera after his first three years in Washington?
This poll is closed
-
2%
He’s exceeded my expectations
(59 votes) -
26%
He’s met my expectations
(549 votes) -
59%
He has not met my expectations
(1256 votes) -
11%
He’s flopped
(247 votes)
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