4:37pm: Rivera’s new contract will pay him between $4-5MM annually, according to Person (via Twitter), who compares it to Jim Caldwell‘s deal with the Lions.
2:37pm: The Panthers have officially extended head coach Ron Rivera‘s contract by three years, through the 2017 season, the team announced today (link via Max Henson of Panthers.com). Rivera’s deal had previously been scheduled to expire after next season.
Despite starting 2013 with a 1-3 record, Rivera’s Panthers bounced back to win 11 of their final 12 contests, earning a first-round bye. The team eventually lost to the 49ers in the divisional round of the playoffs, but the strong regular season performance was enough to earn “Riverboat Ron” Coach of the Year honors from the Professional Football Writers of America.
“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,” Panthers owner Jerry Richardson said in a statement.
On the heels of GM Dave Gettleman expressing that he had “ultimate confidence” in the Carolina head coach, Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer reported earlier this week that Rivera and the Panthers were negotiating a contract extension. Person follows up on today’s news by tweeting that Rivera’s new deal is straightforward, rather than incentive-laden like Rex Ryan‘s pact with the Jets.
In his three seasons with the club, Rivera has led the Panthers to a 25-23 record.