Ron Rivera - Chargers LB Coach *merged*

[TheSkaven]

Interesting...from Super Bowl DC to HC candidate to LB coach in a couple of weeks. What a winding trip for essentially a demotion.

There's just not many positions available. Still, one would think he'd take a year off from coaching before making a rash move like that.

 

[theogt]

There's just not many positions available. Still, one would think he'd take a year off from coaching before making a rash move like that.

He might realize that his lack of experience in the 3-4 limited his options. After this stint, he will have coached in just about every imaginable modern defensive scheme.

 

[ajk23az]

Rivera joins the Chargers as linebackers coach
By John Clayton
ESPN.com

Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera may have lost out to Norv Turner for the chance to be San Diego's head coach, but the Chargers got the best of all worlds.

Rivera accepted a job to be a linebackers coach hours after learning his contract would not be extended by the Bears. For the Chargers, general manager A.J. Smith and Turner, it was a major coup in trying to move closer to a championship run.

After what was considered an excellent interview for the head coaching job, Rivera told the Chargers and Turner he was willing to discuss a position on the staff. Turner hired Ted Cottrell as the defensive coordinator, but Rivera was an object of private discussions all day.

For Rivera, the idea of joining the Chargers was another way to improve his stock for a future head coaching job. Rivera was defensive coordinator of a Super Bowl team, but he was pigeonholed in some ways. He was considered a 4-3 defensive specialist and so many of the opening this year wanted coaches with 3-4 experience.

The Chargers liked the idea of bringing in Rivera to help improve their third-and-long package along with coaching the linebackers. Coming from a 4-3 scheme, Rivera can offer suggestions to improve the third-down pass rush. Most 3-4 teams go to a four-man line in third-and-long situations.

Plus, Rivera could enhance his resume this season by learning the 3-4. He's had eight interviews for head coaching jobs but has not been able to secure one. Getting the 3-4 experience might be the edge he needs to get a 2008 head coaching job in what is expected to be a wide-open market.

Rivera will work with John Pagano, a linebacker coach who is currently under contract and expected to stay. The Chargers like having two linebacker coaches. Earliers this month they lost linebacker coach Greg Manusky, who joined the San Francisco 49ers as the defensive coordinator.

In getting Rivera, the Chargers believe they put a cap on what was an important day in getting ready for the 2007 season.

John Clayton is a senior writer for ESPN.com.

 

[Hoofbite]

apparently he isnt the defensive genius some wanted to believe

David

or maybe he wanted to be a part of a 14-2 team with TONS of talent......

 

[Sabu1]

I guess Pagano is out of the question now.

 

[dbair1967]

or maybe he wanted to be a part of a 14-2 team with TONS of talent......

he was part of a 13-3 Super Bowl team, and that team didnt want him anymore

being a LB coach is a demotion when you've been a defensive coordinator for 3 yrs and been considered for numerous HC jobs (of which none have resulted in an offer)

David

 

[speedkilz88]

I would think Pagano would feel pretty upset with this news and want out to possibly be DC for Wade.

 

[big dog cowboy]

The whole Rivera sage the last couple of weeks just seems a little weird.

 

[big dog cowboy]

I would be think Pagano would feel pretty upset with this news and want out to possibly be DC for Wade.

Ohhhhhhh.

 

[theogt]

he was part of a 13-3 Super Bowl team, and that team didnt want him anymore

being a LB coach is a demotion when you've been a defensive coordinator for 3 yrs and been considered for numerous HC jobs (of which none have resulted in an offer)

David

I think it's pretty clear that he played the game of coaching "musical chairs" and lost. It's not really an indication of his ability.

I'm not sure what kind of deal that Cottrell signed, but I wouldn't be surprised if Rivera was elevated to DC after 1 or 2 years -- that is, if he doesn't find an HC gig next time the music starts playing.

 

[Da Hammer]

talk about taking a step down...

 

[dbair1967]

I think it's pretty clear that he played the game of coaching "musical chairs" and lost. It's not really an indication of his ability.

I'm not sure what kind of deal that Cottrell signed, but I wouldn't be surprised if Rivera was elevated to DC after 1 or 2 years -- that is, if he doesn't find an HC gig next time the music starts playing.

yeah ok...just keep hanging onto that thought

David

 

[Hostile]

yeah ok...just keep hanging onto that thought

David

I will. Thanks.

 

[theogt]

yeah ok...just keep hanging onto that thought

David

Hanging on to what thought? I never wanted Rivera here to begin with.

 

[dbair1967]

I will. Thanks.

maybe he'll go the college route

David

 

[Hoofbite]

he was part of a 13-3 Super Bowl team, and that team didnt want him anymore

being a LB coach is a demotion when you've been a defensive coordinator for 3 yrs and been considered for numerous HC jobs (of which none have resulted in an offer)

David

Are you even hinting towards comparing the Bears and Chargers records.

I think the Bears decision to not keep him had more to do with him almost begging to get out of Chicago. He basically came out and said he would pack it up right then if he could. Not exactly what you want to hear. And if reports are true, Lovie had total control any way. He could either sit out for a year because he had a terribly late start at finding a new job or he could take a less position on a great team, get experience in a new system and go again next year......

 

[Concord]

Talk about a fall.

DC to possible HC twice to LB coach.

 

[dbair1967]

Are you even hinting towards comparing the Bears and Chargers records.

I think the Bears decision to not keep him had more to do with him almost begging to get out of Chicago. He basically came out and said he would pack it up right then if he could. Not exactly what you want to hear. And if reports are true, Lovie had total control any way. He could either sit out for a year because he had a terribly late start at finding a new job or he could take a less position on a great team, get experience in a new system and go again next year......

uh, rrriiiggghhhhttttttt

David

 

[theogt]

uh, rrriiiggghhhhttttttt

David

Do you ever actually dispute claims or do you just accuse everyone of spinning?

 

[dbair1967]

Do you ever actually dispute claims or do you just accuse everyone of spinning?

actually I rarely acuse people of spinning, but this stuff with Rivera is a case of "if the shoe fits...."

David