CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Ron Rivera era has come to an abrupt end in Carolina.

The Panthers fired their all-time winningest coach with the team on a four-game losing streak and headed to its third non-playoff season in four years.

“I believe this is the best decision for the long-term success of our team,” Panthers owner David Tepper said in a statement Tuesday. “I have a great deal of respect for Ron and the contributions he has made to this franchise and to this community.”

Secondary coach Perry Fewell was named interim coach.

— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) December 3, 2019

Offensive coordinator Norv Turner will transition to special assistant to the head coach, and quarterbacks coach Scott Turner will serve as offensive coordinator.

Tepper, a Pittsburgh native who bought the team in 2018, said he will begin a search for a new coach immediately.

Rivera was hired in 2011 and was 76-63-1 in the regular season and 3-4 in the postseason. In nine seasons Rivera guided the team to a Super Bowl appearance, an NFC championship and three NFC South titles.

Browns release DE Smith

The Browns released defensive end Chris Smith, whose girlfriend was killed in a roadside accident in September.

Smith spent the past two seasons with Cleveland. He did not play in Sunday’s loss at the Steelers in Pittsburgh despite the Browns being short-handed on the defensive line with Myles Garrett out with an indefinite suspension.

Vikes RB Cook ‘good to go’

Vikings running back Dalvin Cook, who left Monday night’s game against the Seahawks with a clavicle injury, said he would be “good to go” for Sunday’s game against Detroit.

Coach Mike Zimmer said Cook’s injury is not serious.

Extra points

The Bengals activated wide receiver John Ross to the 53-player roster. Ross, a third-year player, missed the past eight games with a shoulder injury suffered in Week 4 against the Steelers. … The Titans claimed cornerback Tramaine Brock off waivers from the Cardinals.

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