Ron Rivera Reportedly Redskins' First Choice for Next Head Coach

Once Ron Rivera was fired by the Carolina Panthers earlier this month, he instantly became the top head coaching candidate on the open market. And after the majority of Week 17 action reached it's conclusion Sunday, we now know the identity of the team most interested in Rivera's services right this moment.

According to Mike Silver of NFL Network, the Washington Redskins' first choice for their head coaching job is Riverboat Ron.

As @RapSheet reported, Rivera is the Skins' first choice. A source familiar with the Redskins' search believes that this is Rivera's first choice of jobs.
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) December 30, 2019

As it turns out, the feeling is mutual, because Rivera reportedly considers Washington as his most preferred destination. The two sides are expected to meet on Monday morning, which Silver points out as a "strong sign" they're moving towards finalizing a deal.

Rivera's days in Carolina were numbered after the team was purchased by David Tepper last year. Any new owner reserves the right to install their own hand-picked head coach, making Rivera a possible scapegoat heading into the season if the Panthers didn't succeed.

And they didn't.

The Redskins want to move quickly. Rivera told @MikeSilver he hopes to find a new home fast. First meeting he takes is with WSH, who consider him their top choice. https://t.co/wsz7wJB35T
— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) December 30, 2019

In his nine seasons in Charlotte, Rivera accumulated a 76-63-1 record, winning Coach of the Year twice (2013, 2015) and leading the team to an appearance in Super Bowl 50.

Ron Rivera is reportedly looking to sign a deal with an NFL club fast, as in 24-36 hours after Week 17. The Washington Redskins want him, and they'll want to ensure they're the first and only team Rivera gets to meet with.