Ron Rivera spent more than three decades in the NFL and had opportunities to return to the sideline as an assistant when a more intriguing option came his way.

Ron Rivera, some 45 years after excelling as a Cal linebacker, officially returned to Berkeley on Thursday as the football program’s general manager.

Ron Rivera, officially hired Thursday as general manager of the Cal football program, called it “an opportunity to come home and give back.” Chancellor Rich Lyons, celebrating the UC Regents giving the move formal approval earlier in the day Thursday,