Rivera feels safe this year, not sure beyond that

Ron Rivera is 8-18 as the Panthers head coach.

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) Ron Rivera says based on recent conversations with team owner Jerry Richardson he doesn't know if he'll remain the Carolina Panthers head coach beyond this season.

Rivera says "I know that nothing is going to happen until after the season."

Rivera's coaching seat got a little hotter after the Panthers (2-8) surrendered yet another fourth quarter lead Sunday and lost 27-21 to Tampa Bay in overtime. The loss dropped Rivera's record to 8-18 in his two seasons as Carolina's coach.

Richardson fired general manager Marty Hurney four weeks ago and Rivera indicated at the time his future was tied to Carolina's ability to start "trending up."

But the Panthers are 1-3 since Hurney was ousted.

They've lost four games in which they led in the fourth quarter.

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