ESPN is reporting that former San Diego Chargers defensive coordinator Ron Rivera has agreed to become the Carolina Panthers' next head coach, league sources passing along that information to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.
The Panthers are now putting the "finishing touches" on their agreement with Rivera, according to the network.
Rivera, a former linebacker with the Bears and a member of Chicago's Super Bowl-winning team in 1985, has been with the Chargers since midway through the 2008 season. Rivera also was the Bears' defensive coordinator from 2004 to '06.
