Ron Rivera returning to Cal in 'GM-like role' for Golden Bears' football program

Ron Rivera returning to Cal in ‘GM-like role’ for Golden Bears’ football program

Posted by author February 5, 2025 Football

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Another longtime NFL coach is on his way to college.

Former Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera announced Wednesday that he is joining the Cal football program.

“Coach Belichick has made going back to school, cool,” Rivera wrote in a post on social media. “Stay tuned I am coming home.”

While the 63-year-old Rivera didn’t state what specific role he would have with the Golden Bears, ESPN reported that he’ll be working with coach Justin Wilcox’s program in a primarily administrative capacity. His new job will include oversight of the program and its big-picture needs, including the budget, coaching staff and athlete experience, according to ESPN. CBS Sports reported that Rivera will serve in a “General Manager-like role.”

A California native, Rivera was an all-American linebacker at Cal in the early 1980s before going on to a nine-year NFL career with the Chicago Bears.

Following his playing days, he coached in the NFL from 1997-2023. He was a two-time recipient of the Associated Press NFL coach of the year award with the Carolina Panthers, who he led to Super Bowl 50. He was most recently the head coach of the Washington Commanders before being fired after the 2023 season. In 13 seasons as an NFL head coach, he went 102-103.

For all of his coaching experience, Rivera has never worked in college football.

His move comes two months after legendary former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick stunned much of the football world by becoming the new coach at North Carolina. Belichick, like Rivera, had spent the entirety of his coaching career in the NFL.

Cal recently wrapped up its second consecutive 6-7 season, both of which ended with losses in bowl games. The Golden Bears, who joined the ACC ahead of the 2024 season, are 42-50 in eight seasons under Wilcox.

Rivera arrives at his alma mater at a time of significant change in the sport. For the past several years, college athletes already able to earn money off their name, image and likeness and there’s the looming likelihood that schools will soon be able to pay athletes directly based on the settlement terms of the House v. NCAA lawsuit.

Colleges have increasingly adjusted to the shifting landscape by hiring what are effectively personnel departments to help build and maintain their football rosters. Former NFL executive Michael Lombardi joined Belichick at North Carolina as the Tar Heels’ general manager. Stanford, Cal’s longtime rival, drew attention last November when it brought back former star quarterback and NFL Pro Bowler Andrew Luck to be its general manager.