Washington Football Team head coach Ron Rivera talks with his players during the second half against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 20, 2020. Credit: AP/Darryl Webb
Ron Rivera was believed to be on the short list of candidates to be the next head coach of the Giants at the conclusion of last season, especially given his relationship with Dave Gettleman when the two worked together in Carolina.
But Rivera never even made it to an interview with New York. He was hired by Washington before he spoke formally with any other team about their vacancy. Because they fired their head coach in mid-season and Rivera was fired by Carolina in mid-season, the two could hammer out a deal before other candidates and openings were even available.