Commanders coach Ron Rivera reflects on tenure in Washington ahead of likely final game

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The Washington Commanders are putting the final touches on preparations for Sunday's divisional game against the Dallas Cowboys. 

The Commanders have already been eliminated from playoff contention, but the game likely still carries significance for fourth-year Washington coach Ron Rivera.

After a nine-year run with the Carolina Panthers, Rivera took over as head coach in Washington in 2020. 

The team managed to win the NFC East division in Rivera's first year despite ending the year with a 7-9 record.

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Head coach Ron Rivera of the Washington Commanders during the second half of a game against the Miami Dolphins at FedEx Field Dec. 3, 2023, in Landover, Md. (Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Billionaire Josh Harris took over as the franchise's controlling owner before the 2023 season began, and the team's lack of success over the past four years has fueled speculation Rivera will likely not be retained.

Controversial former team owner Daniel Snyder hired Martin Mayhew as the general manger in 2021 but allowed Rivera to have final say on football matters. On Friday, Rivera acknowledged Harris plans to split the general manager and coaching duties, with a fresh start coming for the organization in the next few weeks.

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"It’ll be separate, and that, I think, is going to be really good," Rivera said after running his final practice of the year and, possibly, his NFL career.

The respected coaching veteran, who turns 62 Sunday and could be dismissed as early as Monday morning, had largely been reluctant to talk about his tenure in