Can Rivera reverse his Panthers history?
Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera has enjoyed success over his career but history points toward a down year this season…
After his first taste of success with the Carolina Panthers in 2013, coach Ron Rivera was seemingly on the verge of being fired just one year later. Under Rivera, the Panthers won 12 games in just his third season at the helm and captured their fifth divisional title in franchise history before falling to the San Francisco 49ers in the playoffs.
A rough 3-7-1 start to 2014 led many to believe Rivera would be fired during the scheduled bye week. His career 28-30 record to that point left much to be desired but then-owner Jerry Richardson stood by his man. Another loss following the bye week guaranteed Carolina would not have a winning season but the Panthers rallied, won each of their next four games and made the playoffs with another divisional championship.
The magical 2015 season saw Carolina nearly run the table, piecing together 14 consecutive wins before falling to divisional rival Atlanta. Their only regular season loss, Rivera won the division for a third straight year and took the Panthers to their second Super Bowl appearance.
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Despite his success, a pattern has emerged for Rivera’s teams over his tenure as coach. Carolina has enjoyed three winning seasons with him calling the shots but each of the two prior occurrences were followed by less than stellar performances.
Winning just seven and six games after posting 12 and 15 wins, respectively, Carolina tends to struggle after a good season. Not just under Rivera as the Panthers have never posted back-to-back winning seasons – ever. If 2018 is going to change the course of history, Rivera must also shake his own post winning season blues.
In order to do so, Rivera has enlisted the services of new coordinators in every facet of the game – offense, defense and special teams. While the core unit of Carolina’s roster remains in tact, Rivera must also rely on a young secondary and wide receiver group in order to be successful.
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Barring injury, the Panthers appear to have a roster full of enough talent to change the tide but only time will tell.