Panthers head coach Ron Rivera is expected to return to Carolina for his ninth season in 2019, according to the NFL Newtork's Ian Rapoport.
"As for the Panthers, new owner David Tepper is expected to be patient," Rapoport wrote on Sunday. "The team already made a significant change, with Rivera taking over play-calling on defense... The roster should get younger and faster next year, as well, and with Rivera in charge of the defense it should only improve."
Carolina has struggled in 2019, second in the NFC South at 6–8 heading into Week 16.