Ron Rivera Named 2015 AP Coach of the Year: Latest Comments and Reaction

Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera was named the Associated Press Coach of the Year on Saturday, per the NFL.

Rivera provided his heartfelt thoughts on winning the award and what it means for the Panthers organization, per David Newton of ESPN.com:

"

It's a tremendous award for the organization. It validates everything that we've done. And again, our success always starts at the top. I really do appreciate our owner, Mr. [Jerry] Richardson, for believing in me and giving me my opportunity. Dave Gettleman and Marty Hurney -- the two general managers I've worked with -- I thank them for what they've done. Our coaching staff has been tremendous; our players have been outstanding.

"

Rivera, 54, was an easy choice after leading the Carolina Panthers to a league-best 15-1 regular-season record this year and the top seed in the NFC playoffs. He guided a squad that has the league MVP, quarterback Cam Newton, as announced by the NFL, and two Defensive Player of the Year candidates in linebacker Luke Kuechly and cornerback Josh Norman. 

He also led a defense that finished sixth in both yards and points allowed per game this season, while the offense paced the league in points per game (31.2) despite playing without star receiver Kelvin Benjamin, whom it lost because of injury, for the entire season.

Rivera has now taken the Panthers to the postseason in three straight years, going 47-32-1 in his five years as the team's head coach. He's certainly come a long way from a rough start to his tenure in Carolina, as Jeff Darlington of NFL.com recalled:

Few coaches have more job security these days, however. His work with the Panthers this season was nothing short of masterful. The defense continued to be one of the top units in the NFL, and he's helped mold Newton into one of the best players in football and one of the most unique, dynamic offensive playmakers in NFL history, at least to this point in his career.

While nothing will compare to a Super Bowl title, Rivera thoroughly deserved this award and has established himself as one of the top coaches in the league.