Report: Panthers Doing Background Checks on Coaching Candidates, Even While Ron Rivera Is Still Coach

Ron Rivera has been on the hot seat in Carolina since the end of last season. A 1-2 start to this season has made that seat even hotter.

The Panthers have been doing background checks on potential coaching candidates, according to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. One candidate even knows that the team is interested.

Rivera is in his third season as the Panthers’ head coach, going 13-19 and failing to make the playoffs in the prior two seasons. Expectations are high for the Panthers this year, though, with Pro Bowl quarterback Cam Newton and reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Luke Kuechly as cornerstone pieces for the franchise.

Panthers players apparently aren’t happy with Rivera as their coach, which might be part of the reason behind owner Jerry Richardson gathering the search party. If Newton and the Panthers can put together a few good weeks and make a playoff push, then Rivera might be able to salvage his job. Anything short of nine or 10 wins might see him back on the unemployment line after this season, though.

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