The Carolina Panthers, after losing a close one to the New Orleans Saints by a score of 12-9, have lost six straight games. Cam Newton's pettiness by wearing cleats with brooms on them did not do much for the Panthers offensively, as they settled for three field goals.
This losing streak once again puts Ron Rivera on the hot seat. He's been the coach of the Panthers through thick and thing since 2011.
But, with six losses and dwindling playoff chances, there has been an increase in rumors that if he loses another game that Rivera will get fired even before the regular season was over.
Rivera told reporters, per the Associated Press:
“I can’t tell you. I have been through this a couple of times during my first two seasons here, but at the end of the day it comes to one person — that’s the only one that knows.”
Rivera is referring to the new owner of the team. The owner is now David Tepper. He purchased the franchise from founder Jerry Richardson and now actually has a good reason to possibly relieve Rivera of his coaching duties.
If Tepper does fire Rivera, the Panthers will owe him money through 2020. Rivera could possibly even have another job right away, a la Hue Jackson. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are rumored as well to fire Head Coach Dirk Koetter with their disappointing season.