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+--- Thread: Athletic writer says this old Panther friend should be the Bears next HC (/showthread.php?tid=1790)
Athletic writer says this old Panther friend should be the Bears next HC - Ladypanther - 12-21-2024
The Bears need a coach who holds players accountable. Look no further than Ron Rivera
In 1982, George Halas reached into Chicago Bears history to find a head coach and hired Mike Ditka.
In 2025, the team Halas founded needs to consider its history again.
There are candidates with no ties to the Bears who deserve consideration.
........
However, only one person has had a football role on both Bears Super Bowl teams. Ron Rivera was a linebacker on the 1985 champions. On the 2006 Bears that lost to the Indianapolis Colts, he was their defensive coordinator.
Now he should be first in line to interview.
Rivera’s 2006 defense allowed the third-fewest points in the NFL. Without justification, he was fired after that season, and the Bears took a cold plunge. In the 19 seasons since, they have made the playoffs three times and have a .439 winning percentage.
Drafted by Jim Finks, built up by Ditka and mentored by Mike Singletary, Rivera, more than any potential candidate, comprehends what it means to be a Bear. He knows where Chicago’s potholes are. He understands the organizational strengths and limitations, the fan base and the local media.
There is no doubt Halas would have endorsed interviewing Rivera. Same for Walter Payton, who sat across from Rivera on plane rides to and from games.
Ditka was not the only former Bears player to become their coach. In their first 54 years, every one of their coaches except Ralph Jones was a former player for the team. Halas himself played for the Bears. The other Bears players who became the franchise’s head coach were Luke Johnsos, Hunk Anderson, Paddy Driscoll, Jim Dooley and Abe Gibron.
The Bears have been criticized — justifiably — for not considering former Bear Jim Harbaugh as a head coaching candidate. Ignoring Rivera would be making a similar mistake.
History is not the only reason Rivera should be considered. Like Harbaugh, Rivera is a proven coaching commodity. His coaching journey began humbly as a quality control coach for his Bears in 1997. Two years later, he went to work for Andy Reid in Philadelphia as a linebackers coach before returning to Chicago to coordinate the defense in 2004.
.......
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6009872/2024/12/21/bears-coaching-search-ron-rivera-accountability/
I always thought that Rivera would have been a better/more successful coach if he had a strong GM. Instead he had Hurney and in Washington...he was basically the GM. I guess it is unknown if Poles will keep his job. As long as the bears make sure they have a good strong GM, I agree Rivera would be good for the Bears. They players would love him. He would build that tough culture back. Would love to see it happen for him.
RE: Athletic writer says this old Panther friend should be the Bears next HC - Hobbit99 - 12-21-2024
Rivera had a lot of 'gumption." He was a players HC. He required the players to commit to playing the game. No BS, very little "touchy-feely", just a healthy respect for the game, the players, and the fans. I've always admired Rivera. He hasn't had a LOT of success, but he is the best (winningest..) HC the Panthers have ever had. 76-63-1
I wish him a lot of luck ... anytime, anyplace. (Except if he is playing against the Panthers..!!).
