Jack Del Rio is ‘Plan B’ if Ron Rivera needs to step aside during cancer battle

After new head coach Ron Rivera was diagnosed with cancer, the Washington Football Team has reportedly made defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio its ‘Plan B.’

The Washington Football Team has reportedly made defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio its ‘Plan B’ for the head coaching job following Ron Rivera’s lymph node cancer diagnosis.

While Rivera has stated that he has no plans to step aside for the 2020 season, Del Rio has the coaching experience to allow Washington to feel comfortable handing him the reins if needed. The former Jaguars and Raiders head coach boasts a 93-94 career record, with 12 seasons of experience under his belt.

The situation with Rivera and Del Rio is similar to the quandary that the Indianapolis Colts faced years ago, when first-year coach Chuck Pagano had to step aside following a leukemia diagnosis, and offensive coordinator Bruce Arians took over, leading the Colts to a playoff appearance and winning Coach of the Year.

While the same should not be expected in Washington, having a former head coach on the staff is a luxury, especially considering Rivera’s newfound health concerns. Del Rio already knows how to demand the respect of the locker room and handle expanded coaching duties.

Rivera’s cancer has been described as “very treatable and curable,” and he very well could handle head coaching duties throughout the season if his health permits. However, Washington is wise to have a backup plan in place, much like the Colts did under Pagano.

Especially considering the COVID-19 pandemic, Rivera may be safer away from the game if his cancer progresses, as NFL teams may have problems containing the pandemic since the league is not employing a “bubble” approach similar to the NBA’s. If needed, Del Rio can transition to a new position seamlessly, handing the job back to Rivera when he is healthy again.