Something worth remembering about Rivera...

[Mr. Scot]

Steve Smith is in his corner.

You know, the same Steve Smith who the owner declared former OC Jeff Davidson unworthy to speak to...that guy.

Smith made some fairly strong statements in his most recent postgame interview in favor of Rivera staying.

Thomas Davis, another guy that Richardson reportedly likes a lot, is also on board.

Others who have spoken out include Greg Olsen, Charles Johnson, Greg Hardy and Mike Tolbert.

If Cam Newton or Luke Kuechly have made any statements about it, I missed them, but it'd be no shock to hear Kuechly speak out in favor of Rivera too since Rivera drafted him. Ditto Newton, though given the offensive ips and downs this season, I'd be less certain on that front.

Others whose opinions I haven't heard: Jordan Gross, DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart, Ryan Kalil.

Regardless, it's well known that Smith has the ear of the owner. So if he wants Rivera to stay, that ups the odds of it happening at least a little.

Ultimately I still think Richardson will leave the decision in the hands of the new GM, but Smith being in support of Rivera staying makes me doubt that Richardson will just drop him like a hot potato as soon as the season ends.

[jarhead]

Yea with the players all behind him it makes it a more difficult decision but ultimately JR will make the call.

[Mr. Scot]

Yea with the players all behind him it makes it a more difficult decision but ultimately JR will make the call.

I don't know that they're all behind him.

The ones who have spoken publicly are. Any who aren't would probably be more likely to speak in private anyway.

But Smith wanting him to stay is an awfully big ace in his hand.

[CarolinaCoolin]

Rivera sealed his fate long ago. 3 meaningless wins against subpar teams is not what is going to keep his job.

[Gabeking]

Just remember the coaches the players want the most isn't always the ond that is best for the team (see crennel in KC, and chud, who Winslow wanted as the bucs coach)

[beastson]

Steve opinion won't make JR forget watching us fail

[Mr. Scot]

Just remember the coaches the players want the most isn't always the ond that is best for the team (see crennel in KC, and chud, who Winslow wanted as the bucs coach)

Granted, but I don't think you'd doubt that if Smith speaks, Richardson will at least listen.

Will he agree to keep him? Don't know.

I think it's more likely he agrees to let the GM make the decision.

[rayzor]

players choice may not be the best choice.

[Khaki Lackey]

Norv's players always love him. Led by Rivers, they saved his job last year. Didn't work out well.

[Gabeking]

Granted, but I don't think you'd doubt that if Smith speaks, Richardson will at least listen.

Will he agree to keep him? Don't know.

I think it's more likely he agrees to let the GM make the decision.

That is something we can both agree on.

[Marguide]

A few players always come out in favor of keeping failing coaches. Always.

Another recent example is Morris in Tampa Bay.

Players are sometimes too close to the woods to see the trees (or the inverse; can't remember which it is).

[rodeo]

I think Smith demanded Henning stay, too. The RBs demanded Skipper stay, and the old D demanded Turgovac stay.

It doesn't work that way.

[Awesomeness!!]

I dont even buy Smitty and the other guys wanting RR to stay. If you are asked about it in public, unless you are a dick, what can you say?

[Mr. Scot]

I dont even buy Smitty and the other guys wanting RR to stay. If you are asked about it in public, unless you are a dick, what can you say?

If they just say "yeah I hope he stays" then I can accept maybe it's just being nice.

When they go into detail about it, they're not just being nice.