New on Sports Illustrated: Report: Redskins Expected to Hire Ron Rivera as Coach After Firing President Bruce Allen

The Redskins have been searching for a new head coach since firing Jay Gruden in October.

The Redskins are expected to hire Ron Rivera as their next head coach,

according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

On Saturday, the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that Rivera had emerged as a top NFL coaching candidate and the Redskins were among teams interested in the former Panthers coach. Rivera reportedly told people that he expected a deal to come together quickly and it could happen as soon as 24 hours after Week 17 ends.

The Redskins have been searching for a coach since firing Jay Gruden in early October after the team started the season at 0–5. Gruden was hired by the Redskins in 2014 and led the team to a division title in his second season at the helm. However, the Redskins have failed to return to the postseason since their one-and-done visit in 2015.

Interim coach Bill Callahan named rookie quarterback Dwayne Haskins as starter in Week 11 over veterans Case Keenum and Colt McCoy. Despite the coaching and quarterback changes, the Redskins finished with a 3–13 record and were eliminated from playoff contention in early December. 

On Monday morning, Washington fired president Bruce Allen after he spent 10 years with the team. 

"I recognize we have not lived up to the high standards set by great Redskins teams, coaches and players who have come before us," owner Dan Snyder said in a statement. "As we reevaluate our team leadership, culture and process of winning football games, I am excited for the opportunities that lie ahead to renew our singular focus and purpose of bringing championship football back to Washington D.C."

Washington will hope Rivera can change the team's course. The Panthers went 2–14 in 2010 before Rivera was hired in 2011. Two years later, Carolina was 12–4 and went on to reach the Super Bowl in 2015. During nine seasons, Rivera led the team to a 76–63–1 regular-season record, while also going 3–4 in the playoffs. The Panthers won three NFC South titles and the 2015 NFC Championship under his leadership.

Carolina fired Rivera on Dec. 3 after the team started at 5–7 and struggled with quarterback Cam Newton missing most of the year due to injury.