Ron Rivera is out after nearly nine seasons as head coach of the Carolina Panthers. He leaves the position with a 76-63-1 record in the regular season and a 3-4 record in the playoffs.
In a statement on Tuesday, owner David Tepper said that removing Rivera was the best decision for the team’s long-term success and that the search for the next head coach begins immediately.
“Our vision is to find the right mix of old-school discipline and toughness with modern and innovative processes,” he said.
The two-time NFL Coach of the Year led the Panthers to Super Bowl 50, but came up short against the Denver Broncos.
Defensive backs coach Perry Fewell steps in as interim head coach, the first African American to hold the position within the franchise. Offensive coordinator Norv Turner moves to special assistant to the head coach. Quarterbacks coach Scott Turner transitions to offensive coordinator.
