Interim again, Perry Fewell auditions for Carolina Panthers job

Carolina Panthers name Perry Fewell interim head coach in wake of Ron Rivera firing.

Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper isn’t one to wait around. After initially electing to maintain some continuity after taking over ownership, Tepper retained coach Ron Rivera, much of his staff and general manager Marty Hurney. The results were an impressive start to each of the two seasons since, Carolina started 6-2 and 5-3 halfway through 2018 and 2019, respectively – but a late season collapse and beginning decent this year sealed Rivera’s fate.

Losing seven straight one year ago, Rivera and the Panthers were dealt a big blow this season when franchise quarterback Cam Newton was injured during preseason play. Ultimately, he started two games for Carolina to kickoff the regular season but was obviously battling foot issues and was eventually placed on injured reserve. In the interim, backup Kyle Allen briefly righted the ship with four consecutive wins but four straight losses, including an embarrassing effort against divisional rival Atlanta and Sunday’s loss to two-win Washington led Tepper to show Rivera the door.

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All signs pointed toward a similar occurrence if the Panthers couldn’t salvage a few more wins but shockingly, Tepper decided now was the time to pull the trigger. One reason – he wants to evaluate all potential coaching options, including former secondary coach and current interim, Perry Fewell. Also a former defensive coordinator and interim coach with the Buffalo Bills in 2009 for seven games, Fewell compiled a 3-4 record but was fired once that season concluded.

Taking over for Rivera, Fewell will be assisted by former offensive coordinator and NFL veteran coach Norv Turner. His son, Scott, takes over offensive play calling responsibilities as the team prepares for a rematch in Atlanta this weekend.

Stay tuned to see how Fewell operates over this final quarter (4 games) and if he garners enough attention to be considered for the full time role moving forward.