Coach Rivera Not Losing Sleep Over Job Security. Just Doing His Best

[top dawg]

According to a Winston-Salem Journal article, Ron Rivera  isn't letting the pressure that comes with needing to win get to him. 

 

"I don't feel the pressure, I really don't, and part of that is because of the support I've got from Mr. Richardson and the honesty he showed me," Rivera said before the team wrapped up training camp at Wofford College.

 

Just like Richardson was honest with Rivera, the coach is honest about his difficult transition to HC.

 

"Sometimes, honestly, it's a slap in the face," Rivera said. "It wakes you up. All of sudden, no matter what books you have read or what manuals you may follow, you aren't prepared for it. At least for me, I don't believe I was completely prepared to be a head coach as I thought I was."

 

It takes a real man to admit that he had shortcomings that may have perhaps led to some failures, but hopefully that means he has gotten over the hump and is prepared to win some close ones this year.

 

He said that getting to know the players' strengths and putting together a cohesive coaching staff were two of his toughest challenges. Learning to make game-time decisions on the fly has been another adjustment.

 

 

 

And, as the writer pointed out, the second half of last season is hopefully indicative of Rivera's education, understanding, development and growth as the man in charge.  One person that apparently helps Ron is Leslie Frazier of the Vikings.

 

Rivera contacted 11 current or former NFL coaches this offseason for tips on how he could improve.

The coach he relies on the most for advice is Minnesota Vikings coach Leslie Frazier, a close friend and former NFL teammate with the Bears. They also worked together on Andy Reid's staff in Philadelphia and still talk about once a week.

 

 

Though Rivera is not feeling the pressure that many people think that he would, he is still haunted by some of the losses last season.

 

"I'm in the shower and the water is pouring over my head and suddenly I start thinking, 'You've got to be kidding me. We lost four games last year by one yard — one stinking yard.' Can you imagine that?" Rivera said.

 

Hopefully all the steps that Rivera has taken, and the experiences that he went through last season along with the disappointment of losing these "one-yard" games will propel the Panthers to finish the close games this year. If they do, especially with the influx of talent that we have, we will be playoff bound.

 

 

[RelaxImaPro]

I always took Rivera for a singing-in-the-shower type myself.

[fieryprophet]

Just a note, your link to the article links right to your post. Here's the article for those wondering:

 

http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2013/08/14/panthers-third-year-coach-ron-rivera-says-not-feeling-pressure-over-his-job/

[cbully]

hopefully he considers this towards the players. That Doghouse crap is ridiculous. We need to win games not grudges. 

[CarolinaNCSU]

I honestly think Rivera could be an above average coach, with time and better management skills of course. I was in the "one more year" camp this offseason and still believe we made the right choice in keeping him. I'm excited to see what he can do this year, and if he can show that he's matured as a HC in this league to lead this team to reach its potential. 

[fieryprophet]

"I'm in the shower and the water is pouring over my head and suddenly I start thinking, 'You've got to be kidding me. We lost four games last year by one yard — one stinking yard.' Can you imagine that?" Rivera said.

 

That quote is actually quite encouraging to me. It shows that these things eat at him, and something eating at you long after they've happened means you'll remain focused on correcting them no matter what it takes. Rivera may have been out of his depth early on, but if he and the team pulls it together this season than getting rid of a coach right when he figures it out is a pretty stupid thing to do IMO.

[WolfpackRob]

Anything less than a playoff win and I think a change should be made. It's going to be hard for Gettleman to fire him though. The defense will be top 5 and Rivera will get a lot of credit for that. Shula and the offense will be the scapegoat if we end up 8-8 or 9-7.

[TheRed]

I've always liked and respected Ron.

It's those maddening in game decisions when the game is on the line where he makes me want to scream and break everything in sight that I have had my differences with him about. He must fix that, or go. No wiggle room.

[SCP]

He sure is open and honest with the media.

[FootballMaestro]

I hope Rivera has TRULY learned his lessons, and will apply them [this year] with out hesitation. 

 

I mean; how long can have a thoroughbred, with an under aged, inexperienced rider at the reigns, expecting to extract the best results?

[rayzor]

that's good and all, but i still need to see it.

 

fortunately i don't have long to wait.

 

i just hope when the bullets are flying that he doesn't resort back to old decision making mistakes.

 

knowing is half the battle, but no battle was ever won only half fought.

[FootballMaestro]

He sure is open and honest with the media.

 

Yeah, but will any of the National Media ever pick up on this. And include this in the equation, when they talk about Cam's losing, his close game record, and all this in comparison to the other "young" star QB's?

 

Whether they know it or not. I bet you they never will. 

[Mr. Scot]

He sure is open and honest with the media.

 

Just like John Fo-Ummmmm :unsure:

[top dawg]

hopefully he considers this towards the players. That Doghouse crap is ridiculous. We need to win games not grudges. 

 

Thanks. Fixed.