Ron Rivera Expected Back in Carolina, Steve Wilks Not in Arizona

Updated: September 26, 2025

• Bovada believes that Ron Rivera will be retained as coach of the Carolina Panthers
• The sportsbook believes that Arizona Cardinals coach Steven Wilks will be fired
• Two NFL teams – the Green Bay Packers and Cleveland Browns – have already fired their coach this season

Going for two against the Detroit Lions won't cost Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera his job, according to odds being offered at Bovada.

Odds Ron Rivera is Head Coach of Panthers Week 1 of 2019 Season

*All odds taken 12/27

However, the sportsbook is also of the belief that the Arizona Cardinals won't be going for two – as in a second season with Steve Wilks as their head coach.

Odds Steve Wilks is Head Coach of Cardinals Week 1 of 2019 Season

Rivera has coached the Panthers since 2011. In that same timespan, the Cardinals have employed three different head coaches.

Historical Performance Analysis of Rivera and Wilks

Since taking charge of the Panthers in 2011, Ron Rivera managed to guide his teams to the playoffs in four out of eight seasons. His notable achievements include an impressive 15-1 season in 2015 and a Super Bowl appearance.

Rivera's defensive prowess often led to top-tier rankings, making his “Riverboat Ron” moniker well-earned due to his calculated risks.

Steve Wilks, on the other hand, had only a brief stint as head coach of the Cardinals. Before taking that position, he excelled as a defensive coordinator for the Panthers. His defense ranked seventh overall in the league.

However, Wilks faced considerable challenges in Arizona, as the team struggled to perform consistently.

Why Riverboat Ron Won't Get Run

They should call him every other year Rivera, because in odd-numbered years, the Panthers have excelled with Rivera at the helm.

In 2017, Carolina was 12-4 and an NFC wildcard playoff team. In 2015, the Panthers were an NFL-best 15-1 and lost Super Bowl 50 to the Denver Broncos. They went 12-4 in 2013 and won their first of three straight NFC South crowns.

Report: Ron Rivera will return to coach Panthers in 2019 https://t.co/BSyPdEyB6v

— ThePanthersWire (@ThePanthersWire) December 23, 2018

But in between, my how they've fallen.

Carolina was 7-9 in 2012 and 7-8-1 in 2014, although amazingly, that was good enough to win the division. The 2016 season saw them slump to 6-10.

The Panthers are currently 6-9 and on a seven-game losing streak, including a 20-19 setback at Detroit when Rivera opted for a failed two-point conversion with 1:37 left in the fourth quarter rather than kick the one-point conversion to tie the game.

Rivera is 70-55-1 as Panthers head coach and has taken Carolina to the post season four times in the last seven years. Rivera insists he's been told nothing by Panthers owner David Tepper regarding his future with the team.

Why Wilks Will Get The Boot

There are several published reports supporting the fact that Wilks will be one and done as Cardinals coach.

Report: Firing Arizona Cardinals coach Steve Wilks “seems a foregone conclusion” https://t.co/Fqt4m2FbuI pic.twitter.com/MLRKosvqcZ

— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) December 18, 2018

At 3-12, the Cardinals are headed for their worst season since 2000, when they went 3-13.

Offensively, Arizona ranks last in the 32-team NFL in points per game (13.4), yards per game (244.5), rushing yards per game (160.7), and passing yards (83.8) per game.

Last season, Wilks served as Rivera's defensive coordinator with the Panthers, but the Cardinals also rank 24th in the NFL in pass defense.

If he's gone, Wilks would be the sixth NFL head coach to be fired after one season on the job since 2011.

Bovada's Right – Rivera Will Stay, Wilks Will Go

Panthers owner Tepper is known for patience and having faith in his employees. Rivera has a track record of bouncing back from bad years.

Rivera fired two of his assistant coaches and took over play calling from defensive coordinator Eric Washington late in the season, giving an indication that he's likely to survive any purge.

Josh Rosen yesterday on if he'd like to see Steve Wilks return in 2019: "I have thoughts, but it’s not really my place to share it."

— Josh Weinfuss (@joshweinfuss) December 27, 2018

The Bidwell family, owners of the Cardinals, aren't known for their patience.

Wilks is their sixth coach since 2000, and while veterans Larry Fitzgerald and Patrick Peterson both supported his return, Wilks didn't get an endorsement from the future of the franchise, rookie quarterback and 2018 first-round draft pick Josh Rosen.

Potential Candidates for the Cardinals' Head Coach Position

As the Cardinals contemplate their future, potential head coach candidates have emerged. Former Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy is often mentioned for his extensive playoff experience and a Super Bowl win.

Another name in the mix is Adam Gase, who previously led the Miami Dolphins and is known for his offensive strategies. These candidates are being considered for their ability to rejuvenate a struggling franchise.

There are already reports that the Cardinals are interested in former Packers coach Mike McCarthy.

The post Ron Rivera Expected Back in Carolina, Steve Wilks Not in Arizona appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

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