Ron Rivera Reportedly Close to Becoming Panthers Coach

Filed under: Panthers, NFC South, NFL Coaching, NFL Rumors

Ron Rivera, the defensive coordinator of the San Diego Chargers, is expected to be named the new head coach of the Carolina Panthers, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported Monday.

The Panthers have a history of chasing defensive coordinators when their head-coaching spot comes open, and they are expected to make Rivera the fourth former DC to lead the team.

Rivera is scheduled to have a second interview with the Panthers, but that is expected to be a formality before he is announced Tuesday.

The Chargers led the NFL in defense this season, but Rivera's biggest task is not defense, it is offense. He goes to a team without a proven quarterback and the worst offense in the NFL.

Rivera, according to the report, will not be allowed to raid the San Diego staff for talent. The assistant coaches are under contract and expected to stay with the Chargers.

Rivera, 49, has been interviewed for many other jobs since 2006, but has never grabbed the head coaching job until now. He probably has been interviewed several times just to satisfy the NFL's Rooney Rule, which is designed to increase exposure and opportunities for minority candidates. It remains to be seen how he works with the available talent on the Panthers, who have played a 4-3 defense. The Chargers have run a 3-4.

 

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Source: http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2011/01/10/ron-rivera-reportedly-close-to-deal-as-panthers-head-coach/

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