Rivera On WFNZ

[mav1234]

Rivera on the Drive

http://charlotte.cbslocal.com/2011/02/02/ron-rivera-and-frank-beamer-join-the-drive/

Here's my quick type up of it... take it for what it's worth, was done quickly.

Really clear that when they said they wanted a coach to be the face of the franchise, they meant it. Wow. He answers every question so thoroughly and thoughtfully. Granted he's had them before but still, he manages to be so complete with his answers it is REALLY impressive. He also sounds at ease when he talks about the team. No nervousness, no reaching. Just explaining his thoughts.

Biggest thing Rivera brings is a player who has played in the league and was successful… was around Ditka. Gives a different approach with the players. Different outlook on things. Will be to the benefit of the players and the team.

Rivera says not sticking just to 4-3. Using elements of the 3-4 especially with some of the very good young personnel that will have an opportunity to make plays. Defense needs to find a couple positions. Mentions DT later on. May be guys here, but may be guys from outside. A lot of young players who have good experience now.

Will explore every avenue, including drafts, FA, and trade.

QB. Big thing that has to happen is an evaluation of last year’s quarterback. Were all the tools in place? If they weren't, what could we have expected if they had been? Now, look what’s out there. Make a trade for a veteran guy? Go for a FA? Or, grab a draft QB. They are currently evaluating all the quarterback options. Open mind. Told all players on the roster everyone is coming in with an open slate.

Wanted an innovative offensive coordinator. Chudzinski is capable of exciting things. Different ideas and concepts he has that he brought to Turner made a big difference for Chargers offense. Turner spoke very highly of Chud in terms of game planning and ideas on offense. Rivera was impressed with what Chud wanted to do with our roster. He had ideas on what some of our guys could do to have success (hmm).

Biggest thing with possible work stoppage is to be prepared with base concepts to immediately teach them to players once things get going. Told players, STAY IN SHAPE if this happens. Going to hit the floor running. On the other hand, have to be realistic that you can’t necessarily put in a 200 page playbook in one day or week. Start basic early, then branch out as things go on. Have to make sure the guys learn base fundamentals on defense, offense, and special teams.

Radio guys asking about how many interviews etc and what the connection was between Rivera, Hurney, and JR. Rivera says that the fit and timing on other interviews was not good due to things like him still being in the playoffs or teams going for offensive coaches. He thinks the fit here is great. Connection to JR is that both are former players on championship teams and he feels appreciation for JR’s thoughts on what he expects for this team. Hurney and Morrison thought they found a guy that was going to be prepared and going for the future.

What can fanbase expect from Carolina and why come to the stadium? Going to play hard, but not just coming to play. Coming to win. If you aren’t coming to win you are letting fans down.

He and his wife have a good feeling about where they want to go and are confident about where they want to go. Was in response to a question about moving cross country while his wife was an assistant coach for another team.