Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera has said that he appreciates the support shown in him after signing a new contract.

Rivera committed his future to the Panthers until 2017 by agreeing a new three-year deal yesterday having led his side to the NFC South title last season, before losing to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC divisional round.

The 52-year-old was quick to praise the whole organisation for the team's achievements as well as outlining the overall masterplan to win the Super Bowl.

"I have been very clear about how much I have enjoyed living in Charlotte and working for this organisation. I very much appreciate the support and confidence [owner Jerry] Richardson and [general manager] Dave Gettleman have shown in me and our staff," Rivera told reporters.

"Any success we have enjoyed is the result of a team effort by players, coaches, scouts and the entire organisation, and our ultimate goal remains winning the Super Bowl."

The Panthers have steadily improved under Rivera, going from 6-10 in his first season to 7-9 in his second and 12-5 this year.