Rivera began his coaching career with the Bears in 1997-98 as a defensive quality control coach. After serving as Eagles linebackers coach from 1999-2003, he returned to Chicago as defensive coordinator, a role he held from 2004-06.
In 2005, Rivera was named NFL assistant coach of the year by the Pro Football Writers of America after a defense that led the league in fewest points allowed helped the Bears win the NFC North crown. In 2006, the defense ranked third in points in propelling the Bears to their first NFC championship since 1985 and an appearance in Super Bowl XLI.
Rivera later spent 14 seasons as a head coach with the Panthers (2011-19) and Washington (2020-23). During his stint in Carolina, he led the team to a Super Bowl appearance and was twice voted NFL coach of the year. In 2022, Rivera was named the recipient of the George Halas Award by the Pro Football Writers of America, an honor recognizing an NFL player, coach or staff member who overcomes the most adversity to succeed.
The Hispanic Football Hall of Fame is a nonprofit organization founded in 2025 to celebrate and honor the achievements of Hispanic football players, coaches and contributors. Its mission is to preserve history, showcase excellence and inspire future generations by highlighting the cultural and athletic contributions of Hispanics to the game.
Rivera's induction reflects both his football accomplishments and his broader impact as a role model and leader. As a founding board member of the Hispanic Football Hall of Fame, along with Muñoz, Rivera has played a key role in advancing its mission to preserve and promote Hispanic contributions to the game, honor the sport's greatest legends and invest in future generations through scholarships, youth football clinics and cultural initiatives.
"This award is about more than football," Rivera said. "It represents our faith, our culture, our traditions. These values have shaped who I am but also, probably the most important to me, it represents family."