ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 31: Head coach Ron Rivera of the Carolina Panthers on the field prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Win or lose on Sunday, Ron Rivera is the Carolina Panthers most successful coach in franchise history…

The Carolina Panthers only lost five games in the regular season after dropping twice that many last year. Rebounding in dramatic fashion, Panthers coach Ron Rivera has his team in the playoffs for a fourth time in five seasons. Relegated to a wild card berth by virtue of a season finale loss to Atlanta, the Panthers will face divisional winner and rival, New Orleans on the road.

After losing twice to the Saints in regular season play, Carolina has their work cut out for them if they hope to advance. Neither team has been completely healthy when they met previously, but the Panthers will have tight end Greg Olsen and center Ryan Kalil available this time around.

If Carolina and coach Rivera hope to extend their season, almost flawless play will be needed in all three phases of the game – offense, defense and special teams. In seven seasons with the Panthers, Rivera has shown a distinct capability to ensure his teams are prepared and ready for play, especially when considered the underdog.

Former coach John Fox, who Rivera replaced, may be the winningest coach in franchise history with 78 total wins but his team’s only made the playoffs three times. Rivera already has 67 wins and with a road game in New Orleans will pass Fox with his fourth playoff appearance. Both lost a Super Bowl but Rivera is in a rare position, getting the Panthers to the playoffs four times in five years.

For his efforts, the Panthers and Rivera recently agreed on a contract extension through the 2020 season. Originally set to expire following next year, Rivera should now remain in Carolina for at least a few more seasons. Following the shocking announcement to sell by owner Jerry Richardson, due to a pending investigation into workplace misconduct, the extension adds a bit of stability for the team and locker room through an upcoming transition.

Rivera also led Carolina to three consecutive divisional championships, the first NFC South team to accomplish even back-to-back titles. Teams led by Fox won only two, five years apart.

The Panthers have yet to record consecutive winning seasons in franchise history leading to a bit of fan disappointment in a lack of consistency with Rivera and Fox previously. Another milestone for Rivera to check off his list in the coming year as the Panthers most successful coach ever.