Former NFL coach Ron Rivera is returning to his roots in the world of college football, taking on a new role at his alma mater, the University of California, Berkeley. After a lengthy coaching career in the NFL, including stints with the Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders, Rivera confirmed to reporters that he will be joining the Cal Bears in a front-office position.
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Rivera, 62, who was a standout linebacker for Cal in the early 1980s, shared his excitement about the move with a text message to reporters. "Coach Belichick has made going back to school, cool," Rivera said. "Stay tuned, I am coming home." His role at Cal is expected to mirror that of former NFL quarterback Andrew Luck's involvement with Stanford, helping the program navigate the evolving landscape of college football while supporting players, the athletic department, and fundraising efforts.
Although Rivera had explored several head coaching opportunities this offseason, including a potential spot on new head coach Liam Coen's staff in Jacksonville, the former Pac-10 defensive player of the year has opted to return to his collegiate roots. Rivera was honored as a first-team All-Pac-10 linebacker in 1983 and was a second-round pick in the 1984 NFL Draft.
Over his 13 seasons as an NFL head coach, Rivera accumulated a 102-103-2 record in the regular season, with a 3-5 postseason mark. His most notable achievement came in 2015 when he guided the Panthers to Super Bowl 50. Now, as he returns to Cal, Rivera looks to bring his extensive experience and leadership back to the college game.
