NFL Hot Seat: Who follows Mike McCarthy out the door?

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CHARLOTTE, NC – NOVEMBER 25: Head coach Ron Rivera of the Carolina Panthers reacts against the Seattle Seahawks in the first quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Ron Rivera (Carolina Panthers)

It looked like Ron Rivera was as safe as it gets after starting the season 6-2. His team was clicking and appeared closer to the 2015 form that got them in the Super Bowl hunt. Now they’ve lost four straight, the defense has fallen apart and Cam Newton turning the football over at an alarming rate. This led to the team firing a number of assistant coaches on Monday and Rivera taking control of the defensive play calling.

It’s clear the team is in crisis mode, and it’s important to remember they also have a new owner. One who had no hand in hiring Rivera. If this team fails to make the playoffs, which is looking more and more likely, that may be the straw that finally breaks the back. Rivera could be fired in favor of a coach who can get the best out of Newton’s remaining years.

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