Former Panthers coach Ron Rivera named GM of Cal football program :: WRALSportsFan.com
Berkeley, Calif. — The University of California named Ron Rivera as its general manager of the school’s football program, Chancellor Rich Lyons announced Thursday.
Rivera, 63, returns to his alma mater in the newly created position. He was an All-American linebacker in 1983 at Cal.
“I am fired up to be coming home,” Rivera said in a press release. “My love and passion for Cal has never changed, and I couldn’t be more excited about the future of our football program.
“I look forward to working with Chancellor Lyons as we look to Jim Knowlton, Justin Wilcox and all of our staff and players to compete for championships as we move forward in this new and rapidly changing era of college football.”
Rivera’s position will be funded by private philanthropy. The university said in a news release that he will work to generate new revenue and fundraising opportunities for the team while lending his leadership and expertise, both on and off the field. Rivera will report to Lyons, while head coach Justin Wilcox will continue to report to Jim Knowlton, Cal’s director of athletics, who also reports to Lyons.
“The football program is an indispensable part of our university and our community,” Lyons said. “And so we are taking the steps necessary so that the team can excel in the changed landscape of intercollegiate athletics.
“The combination of Ron’s incredible football acumen and his powerful dedication to his alma mater makes him a perfect fit for this new role. It is an unprecedented opportunity to achieve the excellence I know our program is capable of.”
In 2024, the Golden Bears had a 6-6 record in their first season in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Cal had a 2-6 conference record.
Wilcox is entering his ninth season as the team’s head coach.
“I couldn’t be more excited to welcome Ron Rivera to this role,” Wilcox said. “Ron has a passion for Cal football and loves this university. To have him help guide our program forward during these fast-changing times will be critical to our success.”
Rivera played linebacker for the Golden Bears from 1980 to 1983 before getting drafted by the Chicago Bears. He played nine NFL seasons for the Bears.
Rivera served as the head coach of the Carolina Panthers from 2011-2019. He led the Panthers to the Super Bowl in 2015 and was named NFL Coach of the Year twice with the team.
More recently, Rivera was the head coach of the Washington Commanders organization from 2020-2023.
Source: wralsportsfan.com