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CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera's house was damaged in an early morning fire but no one was injured, a team spokesman said Monday.
Charlie Dayton said Rivera and his wife Stephanie were inside their Charlotte home at the time of the blaze along with some family that was visiting from out of town.
''Everybody is OK and that's the most important thing,'' Dayton said.
The fire was reported around 4 a.m. Monday.
Rivera told reporters at the scene he heard smoke detectors going off and that everyone was able to get out of the home safely.
Firefighters were expected to address the media later Monday morning.
Television video showed blackened windows in the attic of the 7,000-square foot home.
It was not clear what started the fire. Fire officials reported seeing heavy smoke and fire coming from the house when they arrived. It took fire crews about an hour to extinguish the fire.
Rivera has a busy week ahead as the Panthers are preparing for an NFC divisional playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks.
