Ron Rivera Opens Up About Commanders Sale, Calls It ‘Bittersweet’

Commanders head coach Ron Rivera

Getty Image / Stacy Revere


The Washington Commanders has finally been sold for just over $6 billion. Dan Snyder is out and Josh Harris and his partners are in.

Head coach Ron Rivera finally opens up about the sale with the dust settling.

According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, Rivera calls the sale a “bittersweet” moment for him.

The Commanders’ head coach explains how he understands why so many are happy to see Dan Snyder gone. On the other hand, Rivera goes into detail about the relationship he had with Snyder.

“So, for me, it’s a little bittersweet. Because I understand it. I understand what happens, what it means to people, how it affects people, the impact on the organization itself. Those are all things that I’ve kind of had to go through in my own mind. And, again, not to disrespect or downplay what all these other people have gone through, it’s just that the guy that I’ve dealt with is a different person to me.”

Ron Rivera goes on to explain his close relationship with Dan Snyder. Apparently, he and the former Commanders’ owner had a solid relationship.

“He’s really helped me. When I got sick, he was there, and helped me and my family. My mother passed away recently; he was there to help me out, getting back to the funeral and being there for my dad. So that’s the guy I know. And that’s why when people ask me, How do you feel about this? That’s what I say; it’s bittersweet. ’Cause again, this is the guy that’s been nice to me. He’s been there. So that’s hard for me.

Of course, this doesn’t excuse Snyder from any of his allegations. But, it’s clear as day that Ron Rivera’s relationship with him is much different from most people.

Which makes sense considering Rivera is the head coach of the franchise. He’s had to work closely with Snyder over recent years.

In the end, the Commanders are entering a new regime, and likely for the better. The franchise will be able to remove itself from the dark cloud that was Dan Snyder.

With that said, the future outlook for Washington is hopeful. The roster isn’t all that bad and now the team can focus more on handling business than the outside troubles the previous owner brought.