AP source: Panthers tab Chargers’ Rivera as coach

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) – A person familiar with the situation says
the Carolina Panthers and Ron Rivera have reached an agreement in
principle that will make the San Diego defensive coordinator the
second Latino head coach in NFL history.

Rivera and the Panthers were working out contract details on
Tuesday, the person told The Associated Press on condition of
anonymity because the team had not publicly announced the hiring.

Rivera is set to replace John Fox, who was let go after Carolina
went an NFL-worst 2-14 in his ninth season.

The 49-year-old Rivera, who is of Puerto Rican and Mexican
heritage, has run the Chargers’ defense since midway through the
2008 season. The former Bears linebacker also was defensive
coordinator in Chicago from 2004-06.

The other Latino head coach in the NFL was ex-Raiders boss Tom
Flores.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)