Ron Rivera is a professional American football coach and former player. He was born on January 7, 1962, in Fort Ord, California. Rivera played as a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for the Chicago Bears from 1984 to 1992, where he was part of the team that won Super Bowl XX. After his playing career, Rivera transitioned into coaching, eventually becoming the head coach of the Carolina Panthers from 2011 to 2019. He led the Panthers to Super Bowl 50 and was named the NFL Coach of the Year in 2013. Currently, he is the head coach of the Washington Commanders.