San Diego Chargers defensive coordinator Ron Rivera is headed towards a second interview for the Carolina Panthers' head coaching job, Sports Illustrated's Peter King reports.

After electing to not bring John Fox, who was a defensive coordinator when the Panthers hired him, as head coach, the Panthers have been lining up interviews with head coaching candidates with a similar defensive coordinator background.

New York Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell was interviewed in New York on Thursday before the Panthers' crossed the country to interview San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Greg Manusky and Rivera.

Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Rob Ryan is another name on the Panthers' list of candidates to interview.

Rivera took over the Chargers' defense in 2008. After ranking 25th that first season, the Bolts improved to 16th in 2009 before leading the NFL in total defense (271.6 yards allowed per game) and pass defense (177.8 yards allowed).

In a predominantly climate-controlled NFC South, with Drew Brees, Matt Ryan, and Josh Freeman leading high-octane pass offenses, a solid pass defense may be a key to the Panthers' future success.