Charlotte, NC

Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera believes that his job with the slumping team is secured until the end of the season.

Rivera said based on his conversation with team owner Jerry Richardson, he will remain as Panthers coach in the final six games of the season.

"I don't know what's going to happen, and I won't know until after the season. I know that much. And I know that nothing's going to happen until after the season," said Rivera, who is 8-18 as Panthers coach.

"So what our guys have to understand is that they're playing for now. They're playing for each other," Rivera added.

A team source also told the Charlotte Observer that Rivera is expected to coach the final six games.

Rivera was a longtime assistant coach before he was given a break after John Fox departed.

The 2-8 Panthers surrendered an 11-point, fourth-quarter lead Sunday in a heartbreaking 27-21 overtime loss to Tampa Bay. The loss dropped the Panthers to 1-11 in games decided by a touchdown or less under Rivera.

Rivera believes that he can find other coaching jobs if ever the Panthers decide to terminate him but he is more concerned with the future of his players and coaching staff.

"I'm not concerned about me, I'm really not. I'm concerned about them," Rivera said. "We have a group of coaches that I believe in 100 percent. I'll be all right. No matter what happens I'll be okay. Whether I'm here next year or not, I will be A-OK.

"I will go forward, I will make things happen whether it's here or somewhere else. I will. I believe in who I am and I firmly do believe in my abilities as a coach," he added.

 

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