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Ex-Panthers Coach's Appearance Sparks Reunion Hopes in Week 16

By Isaiah De Los Santos

Dec 15, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) celebrates his touchdown with wide receiver David Moore (83) during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Dec 15, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) celebrates his touchdown with wide receiver David Moore (83) during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images / Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
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Entering Week 16 with a 3-11 record, the final few games on the Carolina Panthers' schedule will be more focused on evaluating and developing talent with an eye toward 2025. Considering this is another lost year for the Panthers, there could be some big changes coming, especially since there's reason to believe this team can turn things around.

One side of the ball that's ripe for a shake up is on defense, which is currently the NFL's worst unit in terms of points allowed and second-last in yards given up to opponents. This categorical failure could cause Dave Canales to consider a different direction in terms of this unit's leader going into Year 2.

As if the pressure wasn't already sky high for current defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, an appearance from a recent Panthers coach in Week 16 has fans clamoring for his return.

Prior to kickoff against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, Panthers owner David Tepper was spotted chatting with a notable guest: former Carolina head coach Ron Rivera. Now, Rivera was only at Bank of America Stadium in Week 16 for his current job, but that hasn't stopped fans from already speculating about him possibly coming back in 2025 as an Evero replacement.

Canales considering Rivera as his next DC actually makes plenty of sense. Rivera rose up the coaching ranks thanks to his defensive acumen, which continued when he took over as HC in both Carolina and Washington.

All in all, seven defenses that Rivera's led as either coordinator or head coach have ranked top 10 in both fewest points and yards allowed; the 2017 campaign with the Panthers saw this unit rank No. 11 and 7 in those categories, respectively, too.

Rivera also commands incredible respect as a leader, which only adds to his value. His wealth of experience makes him an amazing asset to Canales as well with the 43-year-old only beginning his journey as an HC.

Rivera's appearance on Sunday with Tepper shows the two are still on good terms. That should make Evero very uncomfortable with his future beyond this season up in the air.

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