Ron Rivera named coach of the year

Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera has been named as head coach of the season at the NFL Honours awards.

Rivera led his side to a 12-4 record on their way to winning the NFC South title, as they recovered from a 1-3 start to the campaign when the 52-year-old's future at the club was cast in doubt.

The division title secured their first playoff appearance since the 2008 campaign, but they were defeated in their first post-season game by the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round.

Rivera recently signed a three-year contract extension to culminate his impressive year with the club.