Ron Rivera Rumors: Panthers HC's Future to Be Evaluated After 2019 Season

Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera could find himself on the hot seat if the team doesn't reach the postseason this year.

According to a report from Ian Rapoport of NFL.com: "If the Panthers do not improve, it is very safe to say that [Panthers owner David Tepper] will have to evaluate Rivera, his job performance, to make a decision after the year. Is he going to keep the longtime Panthers coach in the same job?"

The Panthers have had an up-and-down season to this point. After starting 0-2 with Cam Newton under center, the team sidelined Newton with a foot injury and transitioned to Kyle Allen at quarterback.

And the Panthers responded, reeling off four straight wins, led by Offensive Player of the Year candidate Christian McCaffrey. 

But Carolina has stagnated since, going 1-3 to bring its overall record to 5-5. Losses to NFC powerhouses San Francisco and Green Bay on the road could be forgiven. But a 29-3 loss at home to the 3-7 Atlanta Falcons was a shocker. 

"Every time we have a loss, my mood is s--tty," Tepper said on Monday, per ESPN's David Newton, telling media members he won't accept long-term mediocrity. 

He may not have addressed the future of Rivera or general manager Marty Hurney directly, but those comments sure felt like a warning shot fired toward both men, especially since Carolina missed the postseason last year.

Rivera has earned some benefit of the doubt. In nine seasons as the team's head coach, he's gone 76-61-1, leading the team to the postseason four times, including the Super Bowl in the 2015 season. 

But it's possible the Newton era will come to an end in Carolina after his injury-shortened season. If the Panthers don't right the ship down the stretch, Rivera might not have a future in Carolina either.