CHARLOTTE – Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera has signed a three-year contract extension through the 2017 season.
In 2013, his third year as Panthers head coach, Rivera led Carolina to 12 wins, the NFC South division title and the franchise's first playoff appearance since 2008.
"The improvement of our team has been reflected in the progress of the record over the last three seasons under Ron, and we look forward to building upon that foundation," said Panthers Owner/Founder Jerry Richardson.
Despite starting the season with a 1-3 record, the Panthers went on to win 11 of their final 12 regular season games – including a franchise record eight-game winning streak – to secure the No. 2 seed in the NFC and a first-round bye.
"I have been very clear about how much I have enjoyed living in Charlotte and working for this organization," said Rivera. "I very much appreciate the support and confidence Mr. Richardson and (general manager) Dave Gettleman have shown in me and our staff. Any success we have enjoyed is the result of a team effort by players, coaches, scouts and the entire organization, and our ultimate goal remains winning the Super Bowl."
Carolina's record has improved every season since Rivera took over a team that went 2-14 in 2010, going 6-10 during his first year as head coach in 2011, 7-9 in 2012 and 12-4 in 2013. Dating back to Week 12 of the 2012 season, the Panthers have won 17 of their last 22 regular season games.
"The team has shown improvement under Ron each year, and he is deserving of the recognition that he has received for the 2013 season," said Gettleman. "We are pleased and excited with the continuity this extension brings."
Rivera was named 2013 NFL Coach of the Year by the Professional Football Writers of America as well as several other organizations and is a candidate for the AP Coach of the Year.
