In what some might consider as a surprise move, the Carolina Panthers parted ways with Ron Rivera in the middle of a disappointing season. David Tepper's termination of Rivera's contract ends a nine-year association with the team.
While some might be taken aback by the sudden decision, the owner thinks that he's given him enough time and resources to build a championship-winning roster. The owner believes it's time to take the team to a new direction.
By way of ESPN's David Newton, he's thankful for Rivera's service to the team. Regardless of that, the league is all about results and he's failed to deliver so far.
“I thought it was time,” Tepper said. “Why specifically now is I was informed of other teams doing different types of searches out there, and I'm not going to start a search and not tell Ron Rivera I'm starting a search. Too good of a man.”
The team hasn't revealed which type of coach they will get when this season is over. However, Tepper acknowledged that the trend of offense-minded coaches could possibly influence their hire. Former Carolina offensive line assistant Greg Roman could become a replacement for making the Baltimore Ravens the top-ranked offense in the league.
“This is a modern NFL,” Tepper said. “There is a preference for offensive coordinators. That does not mean if you find somebody fantastic on the defensive side I won't consider it.
During his nine years with the Panthers, Ron Rivera won 58% of the games he coached from the sideline. He coached the Cam Newton-led team to Super Bowl 50 but came up short against Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos.
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