5 possible head coaching jobs for Ron Rivera in 2020

Former Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera clears his throat as he addresses the media during a press conference at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019. Rivera was fired as coach on Tuesday. (David T. Foster III/Charlotte Observer/Tribune News Service via Getty Images) /

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2. Atlanta Falcons

With a top-heavy roster with little in the way of cap relief coming looking to next year, the Falcons are built to win now. But at 3-9 right now, after last year’s 7-9 mark, Dan Quinn is not getting it done and will be shown the door right after the season.

Rivera of course is plenty familiar to the Falcons and owner Arthur Blank, with deep knowledge of the NFC South over the last nine years. Add any revenge factor of facing the Panthers twice a year, and Rivera may want to land in Atlanta as he considers his options and teams consider him.

Due in large part to injuries, the Falcons’ defense has really fallen off over the last couple seasons. Quinn took over as defensive coordinator this year, putting himself on the hot seat automatically before changing things during the team’s Week 9 bye. Rivera had some of his own shortcomings in fostering a strong all-around defense in Carolina, but his prior work as a defensive coordinator shouldn’t be forgotten and Atlanta obviously needs some spark (in concert with personnel upgrades) there.

Shy of having what’s in line to be a top-10 draft pick next April, Falcons are not in position to reset looking to next year. So hiring a veteran coach will be in order, and Rivera is a natural fit in multiple ways.

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