The Panthers have fired longtime head coach Ron Rivera. The search for a new head coach will begin immediately, with secondary coach Perry Fewell serving as the interim lead. 
“I have a great deal of respect for Ron and the contributions he has made to this franchise and to this community,” owner David Tepper said in a press release. “I wish him the best. I will immediately begin the search for the next head coach of the Carolina Panthers.”
The shakeup also will see offensive coordinator Norv Turner transition to special assistant to the head coach as quarterbacks coach Scott Turner moves to offensive coordinator.
Rivera became just the fourth head coach in Panthers history when he was hired in 2011. He went on to amass a 76-63-1 regular season record, a 3-4 playoff record, and, most notably, a Super Bowl appearance. The Panthers did not win it all under Rivera’s watch, but he was a beloved figure nonetheless.
Midway through a trying season, the Panthers opted for a change.
“We are going to take a comprehensive and thorough review of our football operation to make sure we are structured for long-term sustained success,” said Tepper. “Our vision is to find the right mix of old-school discipline and toughness with modern and innovative processes. We will consider a wide range of football executives to complement our current football staff. One change that we will implement is hiring an assistant general manager and vice president of football operations. We all must recognize that this is the first step in a process, but we are committed to building and maintaining a championship culture for our team and our fans.”
Rivera was one of the major faces of the franchise, alongside one-time MVP quarterback Cam Newton. After the dust settles from the sideline shakeup, it’s quite possible that the QB will also follow him out the door. Newton is among the league’s most dangerous and electrifying signal callers when healthy, but he has been sidelined all year and is now far removed from his best work.
For the time being, Newton and GM Marty Hurney are still in the picture. Rivera, meanwhile, stands as one of the most respected defensive minds in the NFL and could easily find work elsewhere, if he wants to continue coaching.
I don’t think there was much hope for them to win when their quarterback, who was supposed to finally be healthy, immediately got hurt. That’s tough to hang on Rivera.
I think this is a mistake, Rivera is a good coach a d he will likely have no problems getting another job elsewhere
Eh.
Maybe if im on Santa’s nice list the Jets would fire Gase and hire Rivera. Just maybe
Fired after losing to the Redskins, possibly to be hired by, wait for it…the Redskins after the season….oh, the humanity!!!
The next coach of the Jaguars
I doubt Tepper has the football acumen to know a good GM or coach from one who isn’t. He has a healthy ego (like most owners) and paid $2.2 billion for a new toy so it was just going to be a matter of time until he got the urge to show his jet set pals how he could handle the controls.
Cowboys possible landing spot.
Nothing but love and respect to Ron Rivera for his time with Carolina! He won 3 straight division titles at one point, a Super Bowl appearance, and multiple years as a legitimate playoff team. Always carried himself with class and set a great standard. It’s a sad day throughout the Carolina’s, but I say thank you Riverboat Ron!
Ron reminds me a lot of former Oiler coach Bum Phillips. Just an uncomplicated, decent guy you cant help but like.
He won’t be out of work long. Lions should move on from the pencil pusher Patricia and talk with Rivera.
Best thing that could ever happen to him.
Hopefully he will be able to pick the job that’s the best fit for him moving forward
Tepper just another rich boy with a new toy. CAROLINA SUCKS. City boy wannabe country boy.