Whatever it was an extension or new contract, Carolina Panthers' coach Ron Rivera received a well-deserved raise.

Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer first reported Thursday that earlier this spring, Rivera was given a one-year extension worth more than $6 million per year. Rivera's old deal took him through the 2017 season.

According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, the new deal isn't technically an extension, but it's a fresh three-year contract worth $19.5 million with $3 million more in incentives.

Again, what matters most is Rivera, the NFL Coach of the Year in two of the past three seasons, was rewarded with an assurance that he'll be in Charlotte through at least the 2018 season.

“It was an easy decision," general manager Dave Gettleman said in a statement. "Ron has worked extremely hard and we are thrilled with our current direction. Mr. Richardson has established a great culture here and Ron is a big part of that.”