Ron Rivera shared the shocking news that he has cancer and will treat it as he coaches the Washington Football Team this year. He was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma after discovering a lump in his neck in July. He learned he had cancer two weeks ago, and informed the team, and the world, yesterday.
This form of cancer is very treatable if it is caught early enough, but we do not know exactly how far it is at the moment. Treatments may include immunotherapy and chemotherapy. Rivera sounds positive when he starts this battle, and is encouraged by his doctors to coach if he feels strong enough.
Rivera said there was a Plan B if treating his cancer takes him away from his duties as head coach. Everyone assumed that Plan B was defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio, and that was confirmed by Ian Rapoport.
Jack Del Rio was the head coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2003-2011. He also led the Oakland Raiders from 2015-2017 before leaving coaching, and began his broadcasting career. Del Rio also has experience filling in for a Head Coach who has a health problem, and takes over for John Fox to coach the Denver Broncos for 4 games in 2013 (3-1 record) when he had aortic valve replacement.
Everyone hopes Plan B will not have to be used, and Rivera has a quick, and complete recovery. The world is also working on COVID-19, and the associated risks associated with it for cancer patients and others. Ron Rivera is a fighter, and will do what he can to defeat and train this year. We wish him all the best and hope for a speedy recovery!
Washington coach Ron Rivera’s hope is to coach the 2020 season – uninterrupted – as he receives treatment for squamous cell carcinoma. If he’s going to Plan B, I’m told DC Del Del would take over as head coach. Del Rio has more than a decade of HC experience.
– Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) 21 August 2020
Told: Del Rio steps in if Rivera has to miss any time. Expectation would only be missed during the week. If there was to be a team tackle, Del Rio would be the man. Memory: 3-1 as interim coach in Denver.
– John Keim (@john_keim) 21 August 2020
I think we all gather Ron Coacha’s coaching “Plan B” if he has to step away when he undergoes cancer treatments is def. coordinator and 2x NFL head coach Jack Del Rio. Rivera said so much on the team page today: pic.twitter.com/itQ43h4ylP
– Ben Standig (@BenStandig) 21 August 2020
