Ron Rivera returning to Cal's football program

Former NFL head coach Ron Rivera confirmed Wednesday that he's returning to Cal.

Rivera is taking a general manager-like role with the program, according to CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones, and he cited UNC head coach and former New England Patriots legend Bill Belichick as his inspiration for deciding to return.

"Coach Belichick has made going back to school cool," Rivera texted reporters, including ESPN's Adam Schefter. "Stay tuned. I am coming home."

Rivera played at Cal as a linebacker from 1980 to 1983. He was named an All-American in 1983 and was recognized as the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year.

The 63-year-old's most recent coaching stint came with the Washington Commanders. He made the playoffs in his first year in Washington with a 7-9 mark but was unable to get back there during his four seasons with the franchise. He never finished with a record above .500 and was let go after a 4-13 campaign in 2023.

Rivera has twice been named NFL Coach of the Year. Both occasions came during his time with the Carolina Panthers. He took home the award in 2013 after winning the NFC South and then guided the franchise to a Super Bowl appearance and 15-1 mark in 2015 that earned him his second COTY trophy.

Rivera didn't coach in the NFL during the 2024 season. He recently interviewed with the Chicago Bears and New York Jets.

Rivera owns a career NFL coaching record of 102-103-2.