The Panthers fired coach Ron Rivera, team owner David Tepper announced on Tuesday.
"I believe this is the best decision for the long-term success of our team," Tepper said in a statement. "I have a great deal of respect for Ron and the contributions he has made to this franchise and to this community. I wish him the best. I will immediately begin the search for the next head coach of the Carolina Panthers."
Secondary coach Perry Fewell has been named Carolina's interim head coach. Offensive coordinator Norv Turner will move into a special assistant to the head coach role.