The Carolina Panthers and head coach Ron Rivera are in the early stages of negotiating a contract extension, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.
Per that report, "One of the Panthers' most important tasks going forward is to extend Rivera's contract, and sources say that's exactly what they want to do. The team's brass agrees that stability is needed on the football side. Put that together with the job the former coach of the year is doing and it's an easy decision. Talks are in their infancy, but they are expected to heat up soon.