Ron Rivera gives in-depth detail of what it’ll be like coaching with cancer

Washington head coach Ron Rivera spoke about his plans to coach in 2020 despite his cancer diagnosis, with chemotherapy appointments for seven weeks.

Washington Football Team head coach Ron Rivera spoke frankly about his recent cancer diagnosis and plans to coach in 2020, stating that “I know I’m going to struggle” and acknowledging that players and assistant coaches will have a larger role to play in his potential absence, per ProFootballTalk.

According to PFT’s Charean Williams, Rivera said that he has seven weeks of chemotherapy treatments ahead in addition to proton therapy. While he has no plans to step away from the team, there is a backup plan in place.

Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio will handle head coaching duties if Rivera’s health prevents him from doing his job, but for now he plans to remain on the sidelines.

Jack Del Rio isn’t a bad backup plan for Washington

The unfortunate news of his diagnosis comes just weeks after an organizational upheaval in Washington which saw the team retire its offensive name and catch heat for sexual harassment allegations against a number of team executives.

Per Williams, Rivera would not say whether he will require surgery, but his cancer has been described as “treatable and curable.” The former Panthers coach boasts a 76-63-1 career record, and was expected to bring a culture change to a dysfunctional organization.

However, as much as he may want to continue coaching, Rivera acknowledged that his health may need to come first. With another former head coach on the staff, Washington’s backup plan is solid, and Del Rio has the know-how to make the team respectable again if needed.

For now, fans, players, and coaches should simply wish Rivera the best as he prepares to begin his battle with cancer. The 58-year-old is one of the league’s most respected figures, and a speedy return to the sidelines would be a welcome sight for football fans.