The Carolina Panthers’ decision to fire head coach Frank Reich after less than one full season on the job was surprising enough. Opting not to send general manage Scott Fitterer into the unemployment line with him made that even more surprising.
Two other teams have fired their head coaches this season. Both also sent their general managers packing. It started with the Las Vegas Raiders ridding themselves of head coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler after eight games.
The Los Angeles Chargers then fired Brandon Staley following a 63-21 loss to the aforementioned Raiders last week. Longtime general manager Tom Telesco went with him.
So, what is happening with the Panthers and Fitterer as they close up shop on another lost season? According to this report from Joseph Person of The Athletic, Fitterer could be relieved of his duties after the final three games of the 2023 NFL season.
Panthers owner David Tepper has gained a reputation in the business for not necessarily having patience. His decision to fire Matt Rhule after just over two seasons as Carolina’s head coach was the start of this narrative. Moving on from Reich after a mere 11 games added a new layer to this.
Meanwhile, Tepper’s hands-on approach has been the talk of the NFL world since the Reich firing. It doesn’t paint him and the organization in the best of lights, leading to further questions moving forward.
Related: Firing Frank Reich after 11 games is nothing new for Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper
Scott Fitterer likely out as Carolina Panthers GM: What’s next?
Tepper pushed and approved the blockbuster trade last spring that enabled the Panthers to move up to No. 1 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft for Bryce Young. Prior to that, he took a hands-on approach to trade talks with the Houston Texans surrounding Deshaun Watson before he was shipped off to the Cleveland Browns ahead of the 2022 season.
There is a certainly narrative surrounding Tepper around the NFL world. And in reality, it does not paint a pretty picture as it relates to a new “power duo” coming in and calling the shots in Carolina.
“The Athletic spoke to more than 20 Panthers coaches, players and other league sources, some of whom were granted anonymity so they could speak freely. They painted a picture of dysfunction inside the Panthers’ offices, with assistant coaches undermining other coaches as many went into self-preservation mode when it became clear Reich’s days were numbered.”
Report on Carolina Panthers’ culture under David Tepper
What high-profile head coach and/or general manager would want to come into this situation? It certainly is an open question. We can pretty much rule out Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots and Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh. That’s for sure.
The Panthers have a brand problem. They have an owner problem. They have a lack of on-field success problem. They might very well have a quarterback problem.
Related: 5 Carolina Panthers head coach candidates to replace Frank Reich
Add in these four things and couple them with legitimately appealing front office openings with the Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers, and moving off Fitterer is not going to save Carolina from itself.
That’s the harsh reality of the situation the Panthers find themselves in as they finish up shop on what has been another disastrous season.
“Regardless of the contract Tepper might offer to lure coaching candidates, the future appears dim for anyone he hires based on Tepper’s impetuous ways, his history of meddling in football decisions, and the state of his current roster,” Sportsnaut’s David Kull opined recently.
Indeed.