Rivera was a standout linebacker for the Golden Bears from 1980-83 before being drafted by the Chicago Bears.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. β Former Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera is expected to take a general manager-like role with Cal football, NFL insider Jonathan Jones reported on Wednesday.Β
Rivera, who coached the Panthers from 2011-2019, last coached the Washington Commanders in 2023. He spent the past season serving as an analyst for ESPN and Westwood One. The 63-year-old seemed to confirm Jones’ report that he will take on a front office position at his alma mater.Β
“Coach Belichick has made going back to school, cool,” Rivera posted on X. “Stay tuned I am coming home.”Β
According to Jones, Rivera interviewed for several head coaching vacancies this year, including the New York Jets, Chicago Beras and Las Vegas Raiders. His new role with Cal football is designed to help the school acclimate to the new college football landscape that includes name, image and likeness compensation, as well as transfer portal recruiting.Β
Rivera was the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year in 1983 at Cal, earning All-American honors in his senior year. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the 1984 NFL Draft.Β
