The Carolina Panthers announced Tuesday they have fired head coach Ron Rivera, abruptly ending his nearly nine-year tenure with the team.

“I believe this is the best decision for the long-term success of our team,” owner David Tepper said in a statement. “I have a great deal of respect for Ron and the contributions he has made to this franchise and to this community. I wish him the best. I will immediately begin the search for the next head coach of the Carolina Panthers.”