ORLANDO, FL -- Panthers head coach Ron Rivera sat down with NBC Charlotte at the 2018 NFL Annual Spring Meeting to talk the team sale, roster changes and what he expects from 2018.
Without Jerry Richardson
"This is a relationship business. I’ve been very fortunate that one of the relationships that I’ve had being the head coach was being with Mr. Richardson. He’s really helped me along my way and I don’t think people realize that either. My first two years, he could have very easily not given me my third season, not mentored me like he did.
It’s been tumultuous knowing what’s happening, it’s been a little bit of disappointment because of that, but also it’s been huge pluses because I’ve spent some time with Mr. Richardson on occasion, and we’ve had some great conversations and laughed about some things, so that’s been cool."
Tina Becker in Charge
"Last year when Mr. Richardson didn’t come, he basically put Tina (Becker) in charge, and she did the same thing she’s doing now. She’s running things the way they need to be done. She’s had a terrific mentor in Mr. Richardson who’s given her direction, so she came here fully aware of what’s happening and what needs to be done.
She’s a very sharp person, unfortunately you don’t know enough about her because she’s done a great job for us, and it’s too bad because I would have loved to see her in this capacity and see how it went."
The Good and Bad of Free Agency
"We lost some players that I hate to see go, but unfortunately that’s the nature of this business. When you loses guys like Jonathan and Kurt, guys that were cornerstones of helping us get to the Super Bowl, that hurts. You lose a guy like Charles Johnson who’s been everything for me personally, he’s been a terrific player, that’s hard.
It’s been exciting seeing some of the new guys we’re bringing in, trying to create more opportunities for our quarterback. Trying to create a better situation for him, that’s been a thrill."
Greg Olsen the Broadcaster?
"Prior to him doing the interview, he came to Marty and I and told us both. He said, ‘Hey just a heads up, I’m going to be doing this. And just so you now, I’m not serious about it yet. This is just to get a little practice, and show them what I can do. You may get some backlash you may not.'
And we did. And it was interesting because there was a lot of panic. But let’s not forget this happens all the time. (Jason) Whitten did the same thing. But right now, Greg loves the game, he’s still in great shape. I think he want to have at least, at least one more good year, maybe two or three. But I know he wants to come back and play especially after last season having been hurt."
What’s a Catch?
"They’re trying to simplify it, take a little pressure off the referees, limit the scope of instant replay. They’ve taken out going to the ground, is my understanding which I think will have a big impact as to what is and what isn’t a catch."
But Where’s Cam?
"We visited a little bit. He’s doing a lot. He looks great, is in great shape. He’s beene doing stuff with his foundation. He’s been with his family and been doing a little bit of traveling, but he is in good shape.
He’s excited about being with Norv. He understands coach’s reputation. He knows of the players that he’s helped develop and the guys who have had success under him, and I think he’s pretty excited."
Quick Hits
Worst thing about NFL Annual meeting -- The repetitiveness
Best thing about it -- Getting to see all the coaches
Favorite moment from Monday -- Head coaches picture with his former defensive coordinators Sean McDermott (Bills HC) and Steve Wilks (Arizona HC)
One thing he still wants to do this offseason -- Take a break, take a trip with his wife