Panthers fans knew today’s news was coming. Head coach Ron Rivera’s days were numbered ever since the team got blown out against the 49ers, which began a slide that’s now extended to five losses in the last six games. Rivera’s failures go back farther than that, though. His mismanagement of Cam Newton’s shoulder and foot injuries alone was grounds enough for Carolina to make a change.
Rivera was the most successful coach in franchise history. It’s obvious that it was a time for a change, though. It’s also clear he leaves behind a log of good will.
Here’s how Panthers fans are reacting to the news of Rivera’s firing on Twitter.
I am extremely thankful for what Ron Rivera did for the Carolina Panthers for 9 seasons. The best coach this franchise has ever seen.
He was a great coach, and an incredible person. Honored to have him here.It was just time to move on. Wish Ron the best moving forward.
— DepressedPanthersGuy (@ThatPanthersGuy) December 3, 2019
The Carolina Panthers have parted ways with Ron Rivera
Panthers Twitter: pic.twitter.com/Bb052ZW3xt
— ADIOS RONALD RIVERA (@wintieown) December 3, 2019
Ron Rivera was going to get let go at the end of the season regardless. Sunday's loss to Washington expedited the process.
— Cotton Headed Ninny Muggins (@Jaberuski) December 3, 2019
I wish Ron Rivera the best, as I stated on Periscope the other day. He may very well still be NFL Head Coach material and I’m almost 100% certain he will be one next year. However, his time in Carolina was up and there’s nothing wrong with that. #KeepPounding
— ∞ (@TacosNSlurpees) December 3, 2019
Like the rest of you are tweeting…. I'm definitely in the "Ron Rivera won't be out of work long" crew….
— Double L must Rock The Bells (@LoveThePuck) December 3, 2019
If I've said once, I've said it a million times, I'm bummed for Ron Rivera the person. He is genuinely a great guy, an excellent motivator, a top notch LB, and a likeable family man. I really like him and root for him.
— Edgar Salmingo, Jr. ✌️ (@PanthersAnalyst) December 3, 2019
Ron Rivera missed too many opportunities
— #ØñêÇäяóλìńå (@UpstatePanther) December 3, 2019
*whispers* I still liked Ron Rivera
— big artois (@keithartois) December 3, 2019
Ron Rivera wasn’t the problem but aight
— CEO OF #KLAYHIVE/#LOTTERYSZN (@Miichaelwashere) December 3, 2019
Ron Rivera is a good coach. Good coaches get fired all the time in the NFL. Probably the right move, but definitely not the only fix for the Panthers
— Blake Walters (@waltersblake7) December 3, 2019
I like Ron Rivera, but it had to be done.
Now, stop these BS rumors about trading our franchise QB. #KeepPounding
— Jonathan Shuskey (@jb_shuskey) December 3, 2019
Ron Rivera has been head coach ever since I became a fan. Thankful for everything he and his family did for the team. Will never forget his suffocating defenses. Will never forget 2015. Great dude who will land on his feet. #KeepPounding
— Ryan Kosty (@kKostyy) December 3, 2019
We wish Rivera the best in his future endeavors. He will almost certainly get another NFL coaching gig if he wants one – perhaps most likely as a defensive coordinator.
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