CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper set the stage two weeks ago for Tuesday's firing of coach Ron Rivera when he said long-range mediocrity would not be tolerated.
Despite Rivera being a two-time NFL Coach of the Year and taking the Panthers to the Super Bowl in 2015, Rivera's overall track record in nine seasons was mediocre.
He had only three winning seasons.
He never had consecutive winning seasons.
He was on the verge of missing the playoffs for the second straight season and for the third time in four years since losing to Denver in Super Bowl 50.