The Panthers rewarded head coach Ron Rivera with a three-year extension Tuesday, locking up their head coach through the 2017 season.
Rivera was entering the final year of his deal, but General Manager Dave Gettleman has never wavered in his support for Rivera.
Rivera overcame a 13-19 record in his first two seasons, both of which included 2-8 starts, to push the Panthers to a 12-4 record and a division title this year.
“The improvement of our team has been reflected in the progress of the record over the last three seasons under Ron, and we look forward to building upon that foundation,” Panthers owner Jerry Richardson said in a statement.
The Panthers won 11 of their last 12 games to close the year after a 1-3 start, and with Rivera’s defense and a developing Cam Newton under center, appear poised to contend for the next few years.