Carolina Panthers Extend Head Coach Ron Rivera Contract

Jan 12, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera reacts during the fourth quarter of the 2013 NFC divisional playoff football game against the San Francisco 49ers at Bank of America Stadium. San Francisco won 23-10. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

The Carolina Panthers have given head coach Ron Rivera a 3 year extension that will keep him on as the head coach until 2017 (Panthers.com). Rivera came into the season under fire and was able to turn the team around with his riverboat gambling ways.

Rivera led the Panthers to 12 wins this season and the team won the NFC South division. They were ousted in the playoffs by the San Francisco 49ers, but they had a good run.

The Panthers were led by a strong defense. Rivera is a big reason for the team’s success on the defensive side of the football. There were a number of players that stepped up on the defensive side of the football to make the team a force on that end.

Rivera has done an excellent job of turning things around in the organization. The team stuck with him and he has finally got the thing turned around. The Panthers started 1-5 in 2011, 1-6 in 2012 and 1-3 in 2013, but they kept Rivera around and have finally benefited from it.