UPDATE: Carolina Panthers Ready To Name a Head Coach?

The latest news coming in via Twitter from Sports Illustrated's Peter King: "Rivera figures to revamp Carolina's defense and could bring along San Diego's QBs coach John Ramsdell as his offensive coordinator, a veteran known for his ability to develop young quarterbacks. If there's anyone that could turn jumpstart Jimmy Clausen's stunted progress, it's Ramsdell."

So far nothing has been agreed upon nor set in stone. However, Ron Rivera is the first candidate who has been invited to Charlotte for a second meeting, after Jerry Richardson and Marty Hurney's visit to San Diego.

Another nice acquisition, of course, is John Ramsdell, who has been a key contributor in the development of Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers. He could really bring Clausen along a lot faster than Rip Scherer ever could have imagined.

In the meantime, we will be subjected to wait and ponder. I'm sure the Panthers front office will be interested in interviewing one or two candidates who are in the midst of a playoff run. My main concern is that the front office leaves no stone unturned. There is a decent amount of talented personnel who haven't been interviewed yet, due to tampering rules while they are still "in-season."

Don't be too surprised to see New York Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell receive an invite for a follow-up, as well.

Until a decision has been confirmed, it will probably be another week—perhaps two—until we hear anything concrete. Stay tuned!

UPDATE:

From Foxsports.com's Jay Glazer via Twitter: "Carolina now calling other candidates who interviewed, that they are going another direction, and mentioned how well Ron (Rivera) did."

I'm not so sure if this means the Panthers are choosing to go in another direction and have discounted Ron Rivera, but until more descriptive information becomes available, it sounds as though Rivera is no longer a candidate of interest to Jerry Richardson and Marty Hurney.