Former Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera said he wants to continue coaching in the NFL, even if it’s as an assistant coach.

Rivera, fired by new Commanders owner Josh Harris on Jan. 8, made the remarks in an interview with ESPN in his first public comments since his exit.

“I have several opportunities right now,” Rivera told ESPN. “I just want to make sure it’s the right one.”

Rivera, 62, went 26-40-1 in four seasons as head coach of the Commanders. Rivera is 102-103-2 in 13 seasons as head coach of the Carolina Panthers (2011-19) and Commanders.

“Sometimes you do have to take a step back,” Rivera said. “You take a step back, you learn and grow from it. It’s like I told other players, if you look at this year as a lost year, you’re (hurting) yourself.

“You should look at it as a year to learn and understand why things happen. This was probably the greatest learning experience I’ve had in a while this year.”

Rivera last served as defensive coordinator with the then-San Diego Chargers from 2008-10. He was also the DC in Chicago from 2004-06.

The Commanders are one step closer to finding a new head coach after naming Adam Peters general manager Monday.

Peters will join a coaching search committee guided by executives Bob Myers and Rick Spielman, both hired the day after the 2023 season ended, and limited partners Earvin “Magic” Johnson, David Blitzer and Mitch Rales.

All five have been involved in the interview process with coaching candidates, the Commanders said.

–Field Level Media