Redskins set to introduce Ron Rivera at press conference

The Washington Redskins officially announced Ron Rivera’s hiring Wednesday and will introduce him as the new coach at a 2 p.m. press conference Thursday.

In a press release, owner Dan Snyder said “it was clear” Rivera, the former coach of the Carolina Panthers, was the right man to turn the franchise around.

The Redskins went 3-13 last season and have missed the playoffs four straight years.

“He is widely respected around the league as a man of great integrity and has proven to be one of the finest coaches in the country,” Snyder said.

Rivera, 57, was fired last month after eight-plus seasons with the Panthers. Under Rivera, the team went 76-63-1, made four trips to the playoffs and made it to the Super Bowl after the 2015 season. The Panthers, though, missed the postseason in three of the last four years.

Rivera said he was excited to coach with a “talented young team.”

“After meeting Dan Snyder, it was clear we are aligned in our passion for the game and he supports my vision to turn the team around,” Rivera said. “I look forward to surrounding myself with great people and getting to work.”

The team did not announce the length of Rivera’s contract, but it is believed to be a five-year deal.

As for Rivera’s staff, the coach will reportedly interview current Redskins offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell to determine if he’ll remain in the same position. O’Connell, 34, helped Dwayne Haskins flourish over the last few weeks of the quarterback’s rookie season.

Rivera also hired former Raiders coach Jack Del Rio to become Washington’s defensive coordinator, ESPN reported Wednesday. The NFL Network added Del Rio will call plays on defense.

The Redskins will likely switch to a 4-3 scheme under Rivera after being a 3-4 with former defensive coordinator Greg Manusky, something Snyder had reportedly been seeking.

Rivera, who is the 10th coach in Snyder’s tenure, also had a message for the team’s fans on Twitter.

“I’m ready to work! #HTTR” he tweeted.