After nine seasons as head coach for the Carolina Panthers, Ron Rivera enters a new stage in his career. The Washington Redskins hired Rivera in December and signed the coach to a five-year deal.

Entering his first season with the Redskins, the 58-year-old is ready for a challenge

“Every time I have guys come in, I tell them: ‘It’s going to be hard. It’s not going to be easy. But I need you all. I can’t do it myself. “Just because they hired me doesn’t mean the culture changes automatically. All it means is I am going to come in and implement the things I believe in. ‘I need your help. I need you to buy in. I need you to believe in what I am trying to do.’ We have to change the perception. That’s just the way it is. If you don’t, it will stick with you,” Rivera said per Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.

Rivera will certainly face an uphill battle in Washington. The Redskins fired previous head coach Jay Gruden after starting last season 0-5. The Redskins would then go on to finish the season 3-13 and haven't made the playoffs since 2015.

In his nine seasons in Carolina, Rivera compiled a 76-63-1 record, made the playoffs four times and led the Panthers to the Superbowl L in 2016.

Ron Rivera was fired in Carolina 12 games into the season after going 5-7.

The Redskins ranked dead last in the NFL with 16.6 points per game while surrendering 27.2 points per game which ranked 27th in the league.