Unlike the Matt Rhule firing nearly 14 months ago, there was no expansive news conference from team owner David Tepper that sought to reset the on-field footing of the Carolina Panthers. Instead, it was just an irritated and seemingly defensive NFL franchise owner explaining his third massive course correction in four years.
Head coach Frank Reich is out. The football answer key for the Panthers remains elusive. And what once seemed like a simple math problem for a self-made billionaire now feels like solving calculus in the dark — with a breadstick as a pencil.
To be fair, Tepper’s news conference on Tuesday probably wasn’t the best time for a “trust me” sales pitch. For a fan base that has heard a litany of promises before — but experienced only seven winning seasons in 29 years — there is little he could have said after the firing of Reich that would have resolved the acute frustration that has accrued over the past five years. When a franchise touches its lowest point, it’s hard to hear in that same moment that it will get better. NFL history, however, has shown us there is a way to salvage something like this. It can be done.
But first let’s recognize that Tuesday was about taking some level of responsibility. Tepper tried to do that, albeit in a very brief, very vague and occasionally very defensive manner. So much so, he eliminated any detailed explanation of why he fired Reich before opening for questions.
“I’m not going to get into the individual sort of things,” Tepper said. “You guys can just speculate as to that.”
Panthers owner David Tepper had some explaining to do after firing head coach Frank Reich on Monday. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)
That challenge has been accepted. Most of it relating to who made the call on quarterback Bryce Young being selected with the No. 1 overall NFL Draft pick. On that point, I can say this: Multiple sources with direct knowledge of Carolina’s draft meetings have said the three…
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Author : Yahoo Sports
Publish date : 2023-11-29 08:19:22
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