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12:32 PM ET 01.01 | Of all the head coach firings so far on Black Monday, one guy has been sitting firmly on the fence all day long. Carolina Panthers' head coach Ron Rivera could learn his fate by the end of the day. Some say his fate was sealed when the Panthers fired their general manger earlier this season, or when Cam Newton stopped short of calling Rivera out, but so far Rivera has survived. But in an interesting twist, as more and more viable and attractive head coaching candidates hit the open market, the less likely it is Rivera will be back with the Panthers next season. Two names that could seal Rivera's fate and whet the appetite of Panthers owner Jerry Richardson are Lovie Smith and Ken Whisenhunt. The best case for the Panthers would be to get Whisenhunt as head coach, who can work with an already talented quarterback, and Lovie Smith as defensive coordinator, a guy who only knows how to coach defense.

Ron Rivera, AP Photo/Bill Haber

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January 2, 2013 08:20 AM ET

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I would give this guy another year!!!!

Not4Nutten

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January 2, 2013 09:37 AM ET

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It will be interesting to see how things play out, and where all the fired & retired coaches end up.

Daffy Duck

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January 2, 2013 10:48 AM ET

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Smith "a guy who only knows how to coach defense"....Hmmm, the guy took a team to the SB and has been winning year in year out w/o a decent w/r and inconsistent QB and a constantly injuried team...but still he was able to keep the Bears winning. I think Smith is a pretty good head FB coach...definitely a lot better coach then Whisenhunt...

Dean

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January 2, 2013 02:18 PM ET

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Panthers showed promise this year--give him one more to prove he can coach

Armyof7

Bristow , VA

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January 2, 2013 03:34 PM ET

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Norv.. Norv.... get on that plane to Carolina, quick!

Zeppo DeMarx

Summerville , SC

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January 2, 2013 03:55 PM ET

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You don't know Jerry Richardson. Jerry would NEVER hire either of guys as Head Coach, as they don't fit Jerry's personality. In addition, Jerry is too cheap to pay one Head Coaching contract (Rivera is signed through 2014) and meet the salary demands of these veteran coaches.
Check "Fansided" for drugs, because this snippet is so far off base, it's comical.