Despite a lot of chatter to the contrary, Ron Rivera will reportedly be back on the Carolina Panthers’ sideline in 2019.
According to Michael Silver of NFL Network, the Panthers have already told Rivera that he will be retained as coach despite a frustrating 7-9 season.
Update on earlier @RapSheet report: Ron Rivera has been told he’ll return in 2019, according to a source familiar with Panthers’ plan https://t.co/OkzTDzWCmY
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) December 30, 2018
Despite reports earlier in the season that Rivera’s job was in serious jeopardy, he looks like he’ll be able to sleep well ahead of Black Monday. Ultimately, he had to coach around the fact that his quarterback, Cam Newton, battled shoulder problems down the stretch, which coincided with Carolina’s slide from playoff contention. That factor may have helped shift some pressure from Rivera’s shoulders, though it’s clear that expectations will be high next season.
