Washington Head Coach Ron Rivera has been diagnosed with squamous cell cancer of the neck, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. Rivera played for the Bears from 1984-92, and received the nickname “Chico” from defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan. Rivera also served as Defensive Coordinator for the team from 2004-06 under Head Coach Lovie Smith, and is about to begin his first season as Head Coach of the Washington Football Team. Rivera says he plans to continue coaching.
“Riverboat Ron” previously served as the Head Coach of the Carolina Panthers, where he coached the team to an AFC championship and an appearance in Super Bowl L.