| 2016 Carolina Panthers season | |
|---|---|
| Owner | Jerry Richardson |
| General manager | Dave Gettleman |
| Head coach | Ron Rivera |
| Home field | Bank of America Stadium |
| Results | |
| Record | 6–10 |
| Division place | 4th NFC South |
| Playoff finish | Did not qualify |
| Pro Bowlers | 5 |
| AP All-Pros | 2
|
| Uniform | |
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The 2016 season was the Carolina Panthers' 22nd in the National Football League (NFL) and their sixth under head coach Ron Rivera. It was also the team's 20th season at Bank of America Stadium. The previous year, the Panthers achieved their highest win total in franchise history with a 15–1 record, but lost to the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50. They entered the 2016 season as the defending NFC champions and NFC South champions and hope to repeat as NFC champions.
After a 1–5 start, their worst start since 2012, the Panthers finished the season at 6–10, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2012. The Panthers struggled throughout the season with injuries and loss of star players via free agency and retirement. The Panthers became the first team in NFL history to go 15–1 and miss the playoffs the following year and the first Super Bowl runners up to miss the next year's playoffs since the 2008 Patriots. They also failed to win the NFC South for the first time in three seasons. This was also the first team to have at least 15 wins and finish last in their division the following season. They were eliminated from playoff contention in Week 16 when they lost to the Atlanta Falcons 33-16.