CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Panthers have signed Ron Rivera to a one-year contract extension that will keep the two-time NFL coach of the year with the team through the 2018 season.

Financial terms were not released Thursday.

Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman called it an "easy decision."

The Panthers went 17-2 last season, losing to the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl. Rivera is 47-32-1 in five seasons as head coach and has led the Panthers to three straight NFC South championships.

Gettleman says, "Ron has worked extremely hard and we are thrilled with our current direction. (Panthers owner Jerry) Richardson has established a great culture here and Ron is a big part of that."

Rivera previously signed a three-year extension in 2014 after winning his first NFL coach of the year award.

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