Former NFL Coach Ron Rivera Destined For ESPN?

Most major NFL coaching positions are filled but Ron Rivera still seems destined to wear a microphone.

The former head coach of the Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders appears to be making his case for a spot with the Worldwide Leader in Sports: Rivera appeared on Wednesday editions of ESPN's flagship program "SportsCenter," where he offered his thoughts on the upcoming NFL Draft .

A lengthy introduction for Rivera, as well as the accompanying title of "ESPN NFL Analyst," seems to imply he's bound for Bristol on a more permanent basis. Some of Rivera's first duties had him ponder what the Chicago Bears should do with the opening pick of the draft and the former Windy City defender called for his original NFL employers to use it on a quarterback rather than play the waiting game with Justin Fields.

If anyone's qualified to offer opinions on the Bears' championship path, it's Rivera, who hoisted the Vince Lombardi Trophy as a linebacker during the team's memorable run to Super Bowl XX in 1985. The Bears also hosted Rivera's first NFL coaching endeavors, as a defensive quality control spot in 1997 began an uninterrupted 27-year run on the sidelines. Rivera later returned to Chicago for a three-year term as defensive coordinator (2004-06), which yielded an NFC championship in his final season.

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The 62-year-old Rivera amassed a 105-108-2 record between Carolina (2011-19) and Washington (2020-23), which included a 3-5 tally in postseason play. Known as "Riverboat Ron" for his high-risk, high-reward style of coaching, Rivera is the winningest coach in Panthers franchise history and guided the team to Super Bowl 50.