Ron Rivera played in the NFL for eight seasons before embarking on a coaching career that eventually led him to the Carolina Panthers. His first time serving as the head coach, Rivera is no stranger to how short-lived opportunities can be in the league.
Before taking over for the Panthers in 2011, Rivera served as an assistant in some capacity with three different franchises over 13 seasons. Serving primarily as linebackers coach or defensive coordinator, Rivera went from the Chicago Bears, where he played, to Philadelphia, then back to Chicago before a stint with the Chargers.