Cal Taps NFL Veteran Ron Rivera for Key Role in Football Program’s Future
The University of California is set to hire former NFL head coach Ron Rivera for a general manager-like position, as reported by CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones. Rivera, a former All-American linebacker for the Golden Bears, brings over 13 years of NFL coaching experience to the table.
Rivera’s most recent coaching stint was with the Washington Commanders, where he served for four years, following a nine-year tenure as head coach of the Carolina Panthers. His time with the Panthers included a Super Bowl appearance in 2016. Now, Rivera’s return to Cal marks a homecoming, having played for the Bears from 1980 to 1983.
Notably, Rivera was part of Cal’s legendary 1982 “The Play” game against Stanford, which ended with a dramatic finish involving the Stanford Band. As a player, Rivera was one of the most accomplished defensive talents in Cal history, earning All-American honors in 1983 and earning all-conference recognition three times under coaches Roger Theder and Joe Kapp.
In his new role, Rivera will assist ninth-year head coach Justin Wilcox as the Bears look to make a stronger impact in the ACC. Under Wilcox, Cal has reached four bowl games, though the team has struggled to finish above .500 since 2019.
Rivera’s hiring comes as general managers have become a growing presence in college football, especially in light of the evolving dynamics of the NIL and the transfer portal. This move follows Stanford’s decision to hire former NFL quarterback and Cardinal alum Andrew Luck for a similar position, underscoring the trend of former NFL stars returning to college football in key leadership roles.
