INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana

-- Carolina Panthers coach

Ron Rivera

was all smiles when "

Cam Newton

" and "Auburn" were used in the same sentence for the first time during his press conference Thursday at the NFL Combine.

It had nothing to do with the dual-threat quarterback's skills on the football field, either.

The former Auburn quarterback, of course, is not only working to obtain his bachelor's degree, but he's doing it by attending classes on campus at his alma mater.

It's taken him away from Charlotte and the Panthers' facility, but that hasn't bothered Rivera.

"It's awesome," Rivera said, mentioning that Carolina linebacker

Luke Kuechly

was doing the same. "These guys are making the commitment to get their education.

"Hopefully other young players and people will see the realization that it's important to have your education. I think that sends a good message."

From an on-field perspective, Rivera simply wants Newton to continue through the maturation process as he enters his third season in the NFL.

"He's had the best start to a quarterback's career for the first two years," Rivera said. "I'm really excited for what he's done and what he's accomplished. He's really taken some big steps and continued to mature as a football player and a person."

Rivera also had some positive words for his new offensive coordinator,

Mike Shula

.

The former Alabama coach was recently promoted from his position of quarterbacks coach on the Panthers' staff after

Rob Chudzinski

left to become the Cleveland Browns' new head coach. Rivera said the Panthers' offense should be fairly similar under Shula's watch, but it won't be identical.

"Mike has his own personality and distinct attitude about things," Rivera said. "I really like the direction Mike's going to take this offensive unit.

"If anyone knows what we need to improve on and get better on, it's him."

Check out the rest of Rivera's interview by clicking on the video at the top of the page.