Panthers hire Richard Rodgers, Asst ST coach

[MadHatter]

Sounds like Rivera is just trying to expand and build the coaching staff his own way. I think he just wants another person helping out with ST, which makes sense to me. I trust the guy - if he sees something in Dick Rodgers - then I have no problem.

Could this mean the Panthers will improve the special teams roster in the off season?

The ST roster WILL improve once we get our starters back from IR. Remember that we had to elevate ST guys to starting roles due to injuries. We had back-ups to back-ups playing on ST last season.

[Zithers]

i think you guys are over-analyzing this a bit too much.

rivera likes bringing his guys with him (chud, wilks, turner, etc) and since our ST was laughable last year (with injuries or not - baker and mare still had their worst seasons yet) it seems like murphy could use some help.

not that big of a deal.

[rayzor]

i think you guys are over-analyzing this a bit too much.

rivera likes bringing his guys with him (chud, wilks, turner, etc) and since our ST was laughable last year (with injuries or not - baker and mare still had their worst seasons yet) it seems like murphy could use some help.

not that big of a deal.

except i can't figure out what in the world he brings. he has no significant or recent experience coaching special teams.

i just don't know what he brings to the table. it would be nice to know.

[Pinstriped_Panthers]

The ST roster WILL improve once we get our starters back from IR. Remember that we had to elevate ST guys to starting roles due to injuries. We had back-ups to back-ups playing on ST last season.

That is a good point as well - but I was thinking more along the lines of what happens if injuries sap the ST again next year. If we're training rookies to be ST experts - might be good to have a guy that understands the rook mindset.

[Catweisers]

Held my breathe every time we had to kick. Hope he can help we sure need it

[prowler2k8]

except i can't figure out what in the world he brings. he has no significant or recent experience coaching special teams.

i just don't know what he brings to the table. it would be nice to know.

I think its a combination of giving a college teammate a foot-in-the door opportunity while getting some help for an area that sorely needs it. Never know what future implications this may have also. If Murphy does a poor job next year with a full complement of players (or so we hope) or leaves for greener pastures, we'll have his replacement on board. JMHO

[bleys]

I think its a combination of giving a college teammate a foot-in-the door opportunity while getting some help for an area that sorely needs it. Never know what future implications this may have also. If Murphy does a poor job next year with a full complement of players (or so we hope) or leaves for greener pastures, we'll have his replacement on board. JMHO

1st thing I thought when I read the news... not every assistant to the assistant has to be a future hall of famer.. chances are Ron Rivera is hooking up an old friend who may have a little something to contribute..

[Chimera]

This can't be right. I don't see any Chargers experience.

[Herbert The Love Bug]

oh he real goood good hire ya'll fa real

[JJT]

It's about time we got a real songwriter on the Panthers.

[Frizzy350]

I'm not sure Murphy is on thin ice. Rivera got a little testy with Joe Person when he asked if Murphy was to blame because of poor ST play. He said "Don't ask that! Because I AM satisifed with his job performance."

rivera also made it sound like legatron was definitely going to be the starter for the entirety of the season barring him making some huge mistakes. rivera is a straight forward and informative coach, but hes not going to say "oh yes, i'm definitely looking to firing this guy".

[carpanfan96]

He has 3 years of it at Port state, then while he was at Holy Cross he helped with the ST coach while running the defense. Exactly what he's doing here at Carolina, helping with ST. He brings more experience to staff on ST, Not only that but he was a ST player during his playing days. I'd figure he's probably going to a more on the field in your face guy, coaching up on technique and so forth for ST players.