This past season, Bill Belichick transitioned from a year away from coaching to becoming a head coach at the University of North Carolina, a move that inspired fellow ex-NFL coach Ron Rivera to make a similar decision on Wednesday. Rivera, who coached the Washington Commanders last season, joined NFL Network back in August, appearing on shows like Good Morning Football and NFL GameDay Live. He also featured on ESPN’s SportsCenter, which seemed to be an audition for an analyst role.
Initially, many expected Rivera’s brief media stint to position him for a return as an NFL head coach in 2025. However, after interviewing with the New York Jets and Chicago Bears but not landing the jobs, Rivera has chosen to follow Belichick’s lead and move to the collegiate level. In a post on X referencing Belichick’s move, Rivera shared he would return to his alma mater, the Cal Golden Bears, in a role akin to general manager.
“Coach Belichick has made going back to school cool,” Rivera tweeted. “Stay tuned I am coming home. Go Bears!”
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
In recent years, the popularity of general manager positions in college sports has increased. Notably, former ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski returned to St. Bonaventure to become the general manager of their men’s basketball program in September. Yet, it’s somewhat surprising for someone with Rivera’s extensive NFL coaching experience to take on an administrative role that will have him reportedly involved in the “budget and student-athlete experience” instead of a more hands-on coaching role.
Rivera definitely has a significant task ahead in revitalizing the football program at Cal, as the Golden Bears have finished below .500 for the past five seasons, including a 6-7 record in their inaugural ACC season.
