John Fox will be replaced as the head coach of the Carolina Panthers after 9 years with the organization. The team, which had typically been a strong contender in the league, finished the 2010 season with a dismal 2-14 record. According to reports, Fox and the Panther’s management were not seeing eye-to-eye on the direction for the team. Combined with the inexperience of many of the new players, the butting of heads was too much to overcome.
Replacing Fox for the 2011 season will be, former defensive coordinator for San Diego, Ron Rivera. Rivera will have his hands full turning the team around, but on a positive note, finishing last among the 28 teams in the NFL will give Carolina first pick in the draft. Rivera comes to Carolina not only with experience as a coach for the Chargers. Rivera’s resume also includes a Super Bowl ring, which he earned in 1985, when he played as a linebacker for the Chicago Bears.
This will be the first head coaching job for the 49 year old Rivera. Unlike the recent conflicts with Fox, the Panther’s owner Jerry Richardson has already developed something of a bond with Rivera. The two men share a common experience as former players in the NFL. Richardson had been a receiver for the Colts before their move from Baltimore.