After the Chargers shut down the Colts and quarterback Peyton Manning earlier this year, we suggested that any team in the AFC South considering a new coach should consider Chargers defensive coordinator Ron Rivera.
As it turns out, a team in the NFC South will be giving him a look-see.
Per a league source, the Carolina Panthers will interview Rivera.
The Bears’ defensive coordinator during their Super Bowl season of 2006, Rivera had said that he won’t consider any opportunities until the Chargers’ season ends. But that declaration came at a time when it appeared that the Chargers season would extend beyond Week 17.
So the bad news for the Chargers could be good news for Rivera, which may be even more bad news for the Chargers.
The Panthers recently announced that eight-year coach John Fox and his staff will not be returning in 2011. Fox’s contract ran through the 2010 season.