According to the information, the new general manager for California could be none other than former Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders head coach, Ron Rivera. The experienced coach is currently serving as an analyst on the program, and his last NFL experience was in 2023.

The information was provided by College Football insider Pete Nakos, who confirmed via his X (formerly Twitter) account @PeteNakos_ the imminent arrival of Rivera as the new GM for the Golden Bears.

“Former Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera is joining the Cal staff, a source tells @On3sports. He will assist the coaching staff and help with the player experience. @jjones9 first.”

Rivera’s return, with a nod to Belichick

Bill Belichick‘s arrival as the new head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels sparked countless discussions, with many being inspired by this move to re-engage with College Football.

Ron Rivera is one of them. NFL insider Adam Schefter shared on his official X account @AdamSchefter one of the reasons why the former Panthers and Commanders head coach is returning to the NCAAF.

“Former Commanders HC Ron Rivera texted that he is returning to his alma mater, Cal, to help the football program. “Coach Belichick has made going back to school, cool,” Rivera texted reporters today. “Stay tuned I am coming home. @CalAthletics @UCBerkeley @Cal #GoBears”

Andrew Luck is also joining the NCAAF

Ron Rivera isn’t the only one accepting this challenge in College Football. At the end of last year, former Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck became the new GM of Stanford.

“Yeah, I can’t wait to work with Coach (Troy) Taylor and the staff and the guys on the team, he’s got the team pointed in the right direction, and we’ve been close,” Luck said on ESPN’s College GameDay. “We’ve been close for a couple years. I had the chance to be on the hiring committee for him. And as everybody knows, in this game, it takes a team to go out and win. It is hard to win football games, and I think we’re putting the right team together.”

“I imagine this being very hands on,” Luck also added. “And, yeah, we do have a vision. We absolutely have a vision. And, you know, I think we are under no illusion about the landscape of college sports is well and out there.”

Ron Rivera‘s journey from a standout linebacker to a respected NFL head coach is a testament to his dedication and strategic acumen. He stood out early on as a talented player at Berkeley, where he earned All-American honors in 1983.

His talent led him to join the Chicago Bears, with whom he won Super Bowl XX. However, his story doesn’t end there. He embarked on a coaching career that propelled him to stardom with the Carolina Panthers.

In 2020, he took the helm of the Washington Commanders, facing both personal and professional challenges. Since then, he has become one of the most respected figures in the league, successfully amassing a substantial fortune.

What is Ron Rivera’s net worth?

Ron Rivera, one of the most prominent figures in the NFL, has an estimated net worth of $10 million, according to Sportskeeda. His fortune comes primarily from his extensive career as both a professional player and a coach.

He began building his legacy with the Chicago Bears, where he played as a linebacker from 1984 to 1992 and achieved the historic triumph in Super Bowl XX. After retiring as a player, he embarked on a successful coaching career.

During his tenure as head coach of the Carolina Panthers from 2011 to 2019, he led the team to Super Bowl 50 and was named NFL Coach of the Year twice. His initial contract was worth $11.2 million over four years.

It also included subsequent extensions totaling $48.5 million. In 2020, he took on the role of head coach for the Washington Commanders, signing a five-year contract valued at $35 million, with an average annual salary of $7 million.

This position not only solidified his reputation as one of the most respected coaches in the league but also significantly boosted his wealth. In addition to his coaching earnings, he has generated additional income through bonuses.

Key Facts about Ron Rivera

• Estimated net worth between $10 and $12 million from coaching salaries
• Won Super Bowl XX with the Chicago Bears in 1985 as a linebacker
• Head coach of the Carolina Panthers from 2011 to 2019, led them to Super Bowl 50
• Named NFL Coach of the Year in 2013 and 2015
• Became head coach of the Washington Commanders in 2020 with a 5-year, $35 million contract
• Earns an average annual salary of $7 million with the Washington Commanders
• Known as “Riverboat Ron” for his bold and strategic coaching style
• Overcame cancer in 2020, earning respect both on and off the field
• Minimal involvement in major commercial endorsements

In the past few hours, news has surfaced that the Jets have interviewed former ESPN analyst Louis Riddick for their general manager vacancy. It is not yet known what will happen with Rodgers’ future, but the New York franchise’s search is moving at a minute-by-minute pace for two key positions.

For the head coach position, as NFL insider Adam Schefter related on his X (formerly Twitter) account, the Rodgers’ Jets met with former Super Bowl champion Ron Rivera to complete an interview as a strong candidate for the job Saleh left midseason.

Rivera’s most recent experience as a coach was with the Washington Commanders from 2020-2023, where he recorded a 26-40-1 mark. The two-time NFL Coach of the Year also had a nearly decade-long cycle at the helm of the Carolina Panthers from 2011-2019.

When did Rivera win the Super Bowl?

Rivera was crowned Super Bowl XX champion when he was a player for the Chicago Bears, who defeated the New England Patriots in 1985 in New Orleans. As head coach, he led the Panthers to Super Bowl 50 of the 2015 season, but his team was defeated by the Denver Broncos. That year, Rivera was named coach of the year.

Rivera’s career as head coach

Rivera began his journey off the field when he became defensive quality control coach for the Bears in 1997. Two years later, he moved to the Philadelphia Eagles to become linebackers coach under Andy Reid, the current head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs. Prior to his outstanding stint with the Panthers, Rivera also returned to Chicago to become defensive coordinator, a position he also held with the San Diego Chargers.

The Jets will also interview Mike Vrabel for the head coach job

As reported by TheAthletic.com, Mike Vrabel is the latest candidate to be interviewed for the Jets head coach job. The former Tennessee Titans head coach terminated his contract as a consultant to the Cleveland Browns this week and is available as a possible name to take the reins of the New York team.

However, the 2023 season has been a disaster for the Commanders with a 4-8 record and virtually no chances of making it to the playoffs. In a telling stat, Washington’s defense has allowed at least 29 points in 8 of those 12 games.

That’s why, after a 45-10 loss against the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day, Jack Del Rio has been fired as defensive coordinator of the team. Ron Rivera would take over those play calling duties and defensive backs coach Brent Vieselmeyer is also out.

Rivera is in his fourth season with the Washington Commanders. While he won the NFC East in 2020, it came with a record of 7-9 and they were eliminated in the wild card round by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tom Brady. In his four years at the helm, he hasn’t achieved a winning record (7-9, 7-10, 8-8 and 4-8).

Ron Rivera might be replaced by Bill Belichick with the Commanders

Of course, this move comes amid a plethora of rumors suggesting that Ron Rivera is on the hot seat and that his replacement could be Bill Belichick in the event he does not continue as the head coach of the New England Patriots.

These were the words of Rivera after losing on Thanksgiving Day against the Cowboys when asked about his job security. “I’ve told you before I’m not worried about anything. All I’m going to do is do my job and see how things go. That’s the only thing I can do.”

In fact, Sam Howell already hinted at the possibility of coaching changes before Jack Del Rio’s announcement. “It really doesn’t impact anything in the locker room. We just focus on what we can control, try to get better. Obviously, when things aren’t going well people are going to talk about jobs for everybody. Not only coaches, players, too. We just have to zone it all out.”

Will Ron Rivera remain as head coach of the Washington Commanders?

It doesn’t look good for Ron Rivera. Josh Harris just bought the team from Dan Snyder and, though he gave the head coach a full first season, it’s probable that the owner would like to go with his own people in 2024.

Considering this scenario, Belichick’s name has surfaced in the last weeks as he is having a terrible season with the Patriots. If Robert Kraft fires him or makes him available via trade, the Commanders will be ready.

Ron Rivera entered the season in the hot seat, and his team hasn’t done much to help his case through the first weeks of the season. The frustration was evident, and he seemingly blamed Carson Wentz for their shortcomings in the NFC East.

That’s why, following their narrow road win over the Chicago Bears, the coach tipped his hat off to his players for dealing with so much pressure. He also clarified that his comments weren’t a shot at Wentz, but at the organization’s failure to build around a QB.

NFL News: Ron Rivera Dismisses The Rumors About His Feud With Carson Wentz

“What’s important is these guys, OK. For the last couple of weeks, honestly — I’m going to speak my mind for a second,” Rivera said. “Honestly, it’s been hard. It really has. You lose four games in a row, and everybody wants to get you — get on you. And they’ve played their asses off. They have.”

“Everybody keeps (saying) I didn’t want anything to do with Carson. Well, bulls—,” Rivera said. “I’m the f—ing guy that pulled out the sheets of paper, that looked at the analytics that watched the tape in the fricking — when we were at Indianapolis (for the NFL combine last spring). OK? And that pisses me off because the young man doesn’t deserve to have that all the time.”

Wentz Says Playing For Rivera Is Special

Moreover, it seems like Wentz didn’t take things personally, either. If anything, he had plenty of praise for coach Rivera, stating that it’s special to play for him and that he knows he won’t sugarcoat things:

“Coach Rivera, he’s awesome,” Wentz said. “I have a ton of respect for him playing in this league from afar, but getting to play for him is even better. It’s definitely special. . … He’s going to speak his mind. And he’s going to be very direct and to the point. And in this business, that means a lot. And I think guys love that about him.”

Rivera’s comments on Wentz weren’t that far-fetched, though. He’s been mostly bad this season, which is nothing new. However, it’s not like the rest of the offense, their defense, their special teams, or even their playcalling have been any better.

Sportico published the 25 highest paid sports coaches in the United States and a few things stood out. For example, there is not one coach from the MLS, MLB, or NHL. NCAA coaches make an incredible amount of money, and the NFL clearly likes to write big checks.

The NBA has some names on the list and while the NFL dominates the number of highest paid coaches, if they truly deserve their salary is a subject for another day. Here are the 25 top paid coaches in American sports.

25. Steve Nash – $8 Million

The now Brooklyn Nets coach got to the Eastern conference semifinals with the Nets in his first year at the helm. In 2020/21 Steve Nash had a .667 winning percentage, not bad for a first timer. Nash earns a substantial amount of money for a coach with all of one year’s experience, $8 million.

24. Nick Nurse – $8 Million

Now in his 4thyear as Toronto Raptors coach, Nick Nurse earns $8 million a year. Nurse won the NBA title in 2019, but last season the Raptors did not make the postseason. Nurse has coached since 1989 and been an assistant and head coach in several countries.

23. Mike Budenholzer – $8 Million

The current NBA champion head coach Mike Budenholzer comes in at $8 million a season, Budenholzer has been at the helm of the Bucks for fourseasons now with a championship season last year to go along two other very promising seasons.

22. Bruce Arians – $8 Million

Bruce Arians is the first NFL coach on the list coming in at $8 million a season, all Arians has done was win the Super Bowl last season and get the best out of Tom Brady at what many consider the tail end of his career.

21. Sean McVay – $8.5 Million

Sean McVay is the coach of the Los Angeles Rams and in his 5 seasons with the Rams he got to the Super Bowl 1 time and holds a .675 winning percentage. McVay was the AP NFL Coach of the Year in 2017.

20. Sean McDermott – $8.5 Million

There is nothing small market about the Bills if they can shell out $8.5 million on their coach. Sean McDermott has been with the Buffalo Bills for 5 seasons now and has alternated good seasons with some less than impressive ones.

19. Ron Rivera – $8.5 Million

Ron Rivera is at $8.5 million and has been coaching in the NFL since 2011, his biggest claim to fame is taking the Carolina Panthers to the Super Bowl, losing to the Broncos in Super Bowl 50. Since then, it’s been pretty mediocre, Rivera has a less than .500 winning percentage at Washington.

18. Erik Spoelstra – $8.5 Million

Erik Spoelstra is an institution at the Miami Heat, being a part of the coaching staff since 1997 and taking over since 2008. Spoelstra paid back the organization with 2 NBA titles and 5 Eastern conference crowns.

17. Doc Rivers – $8.5 Million

Doc Rivers is a veteran NBA coach and is currently at the helm of the Philadelphia 76ers. Rivers won an NBA title in 2008 and today wants to take the Sixers to the promise land. Dealing with Ben Simmons makes Rivers earn his pay that’s for sure.

16. Matt Rhule – $8.6 Million

The NFL can be generous, it’s the only way to explain that Matt Rhule earns more than Bruce Arians, a very good coach in college Rhule has found life in the NFL hard coaching the Carolina Panthers.

15. John Calipari – $8.6 Million

John Calipari is the first NCAA coach to be on the list, at $8.6 million a season it raises the debate of the money involved in college sports. Calipari coaches the Kentucky Wildcats since 2009.

14. Urban Meyer – $9 Million

Urban Meyer, coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars in the NFL was a big-time college coach in the NCAA but in the NFL, he is on thin ice. Meyer makes a salary that is not indicative of the results, his first year in the NFL has been a mess.

13. John Harbaugh – $9 Million

Winning a Super Bowl upgrades anyone’s pay day and John Harbaugh did just that winning the big one with the Baltimore Ravens in 2012. Harbaugh has had an exceptional record with the Ravens after paying his dues as an assistant.

12. Frank Reich – $9 Million

The Indianapolis Colts head coach has been with the Colts for four seasons now and has done a very good job making the playoffs 2 out of 3 seasons. Reich did it with a different quarterback each year.

11. Dabo Swinney – $9.3 Million

Again, this is how you look at it, how can the “system” justify paying a college football coach 9.3 million dollars to coach collegiate athletes? For a NCAA College football fan Swinney is an institution for those who view college sports with a grain of salt, that money could go to much better uses.

10. Steve Kerr – $9.5 Million

One of the best NBA coaches of his generation, Steve Kerr learned from the best and with the Warriors he coaches the best, a hard worker and team first coach Kerr has won 3 NBA championships all with Golden State.

9. Kyle Shanahan – $9.5 Million

To many an offensive mastermind, to others a below .500 coach getting paid just shy of $10 million. Kyle Shanahan‘s record with the 49ers is not indicative of one of the highest paid coaches in all of professional sports.

8. Jimbo Fisher – $9.5 Million

Jimbo Fisher has an incredible coaching record in the NCAA and has won 1 national championship. Fisher has broken many records since taking over Texas A&M.

7. Nick Saban – $10.7 Million

Nick Saban has won 7 national championships in the NCAA and is now with the Crimson Tide, he has spotted and cultivated many NFL talents and is nearly always a semifinalist in the College Football Playoffs.

6. Mike Tomlin – $11.5 Million

Mike Tomlin won Super Bowl XLIII and made it to another falling short. Tomlin has never had a losing record with the Pittsburgh Steelers, one of the best coaches in the NFL.

5. Gregg Popovich – $11.5 Million

A living legend in the NBA Gregg Popovich, coach of the San Antonio Spurs since 1996 and winner of 5 NBA titles. Popovich is being paid for what he has done, not so much what he is doing now.

4. Andy Reid – $12 Million

Andy Reid is a Super Bowl winning coach with the Chiefs and has been a firm coach since his days with the Eagles. One of the best in the business and still with miles to go.

3. Sean Payton – $14 Million

The New Orleans Saints boss has been at the helm since 2006, Payton won Super Bowl XLIV with the Saints and has always been in the mix among the best in the NFL.

2. Pete Carroll – $14 Million

Pete Carroll built a legendary NCAA program with USC and would join the Seahawks winning one Super Bowl and almost won back-to-back titles in the NFL. Carroll has won over 100 games in the NFL and continues to go strong.

1. Bill Belichick – $18 Million

It should come as no surprise to anyone that Bill Belichick is the highest paid professional coach in all of American sports. What Belichick built in New England with Tom Brady will go down in history as maybe the greatest sports dynasty in American sports. Belichick is a master on the sidelines.