The Carolina Panthers coaching search has gained a bit of steam, as they're working to arrange a second interview with San Diego defensive coordinator Ron Rivera.

While a second interview has been requested, no time has been set for the meeting. Owner Jerry Richardson said last week that finalists would be brought back to him after his football and business-side decision-makers canvassed the early candidates. It's worth noting that when John Fox was hired in 2002, he was the only candidate to get a second interview.

General manager Marty Hurney and team president Danny Morrison hit the road for the first four interviews, all with defensive coordinators - Rob Ryan in Cleveland on Wednesday, New York's Perry Fewell Thursday, Rivera on Friday and San Francisco's Greg Manusky Saturday.

There were reports that Rivera's second interview was Sunday, but no time has been established at this point. The meeting is expected in the next few days, according to sources familiar with his plans.

Fewell also interviewed with Denver on Sunday. The Broncos are conducting a wide-ranging search and will talk to former Panthers coach John Fox today.

Rivera, 48, has plenty of experience in these settings. The Panthers are the ninth team for which he has interviewed for head coaching jobs in the past six seasons.

He played linebacker for Chicago for nine years, and has 14 years coaching experience with Philadelphia, Chicago and San Diego. His Chargers defense was ranked first in the league last season, and he led the Bears defense top-five rankings in 2005 and 2006.

Bears safety (and former Panther) Chris Harris played for him on those teams.

"Rivera is a well-respected guy by all of us here in Chicago," Harris said. "He's a guy who will demand respect. He's a great communicator. Wasn't a huge yeller, but he got the most out of all his players.

"He's a confident guy, I think he'd handle it well."