The Carolina Panthers parted ways with coach Ron Rivera prior to the season finale in an effort to get a jump start on their coaching search. David Tepper, in just his second season as owner, didn’t want to conduct any interviews behind Rivera’s back and the move also allowed Rivera to become a candidate for other teams earlier than this week.
As a result, Washington is expected to name Rivera their new coach very soon and the Panthers have already met with former Packers coach, Mike McCarthy. The former offensive coordinator for both the New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers before his time in Green Bay, it appears Tepper has an expectation for his next coach.