Ron Rivera is officially back in the fold at California, stepping into an exciting new role as the football general manager, a position newly minted just for him. It’s a full-circle moment for Rivera, who not only played for the Golden Bears from 1980 to 1983 but also made a name for himself as a standout linebacker during his college days.
Rivera’s return comes on the heels of his announcement last month, where he hinted at taking on a position at his alma mater. Now, as the dust settles, his official welcome signals a strategic move for Cal football, aiming to boost fundraising and revenue opportunities, key components for competing at the highest levels in today’s intercollegiate landscape.
Chancellor Rich Lyons expressed his excitement, noting Rivera’s “incredible football acumen” and deep-rooted dedication to California as crucial elements for this new endeavor. He sees this as a pivotal moment for the program: “The football program is an indispensable part of our university and our community,” Lyons stated. His goal is to carve out a path for excellence amidst the ever-evolving terrain of college athletics.
Rivera’s football journey is nothing short of remarkable. After showcasing his skills at Cal, he earned recognition as an All-American and claimed the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year title in his final college season. The Chicago Bears snatched him up in the second round of the NFL Draft, where he would eventually contribute to one of the league’s storied franchises.
His coaching career took flight in 2011 when he became head coach of the Carolina Panthers, leading them to a commendable 76-63-1 record over nine seasons. Under Rivera’s watch, the Panthers made four playoff appearances and even made a run to the Super Bowl, marking him as one of the more effective coaches in recent memory. However, his time with the Panthers came to an end mid-season in 2019. Following that, he took on the head coaching role with the Washington Commanders, where he recorded a 26-40-1 record before being replaced last offseason.
Now, Rivera transitions into this pivotal role with the Golden Bears, a team that has faced its share of challenges, finishing with a 6-7 record in each of the last two seasons and struggling to find their footing in the ACC. With his wealth of experience and a unique passion for Cal, Rivera believes there’s substantial potential for growth.
“I’m fired up to be coming home,” Rivera expressed in his announcement. His enthusiasm for the university and commitment to elevating its football program stands out. He’s eager to collaborate with Chancellor Lyons, athletic director Jim Knowlton, head coach Justin Wilcox, and the entire staff and player roster. Rivera is focused on building a culture of competitiveness that aims for championships as the landscape of college football continues to shift rapidly.
As Rivera hits the ground running in this exciting new chapter, fans can look forward to seeing how his vision and leadership will reshape the future of California football. It’s a thrilling time for both the program and its supporters, as a beloved alum takes the reins with an ambitious mission to restore glory to the Golden Bears.
