Former Carolina Panthers coach Fewell reportedly takes NFL office role

Former Carolina Panthers coach Perry Fewell is reportedly leaving on-field business behind after taking a job in the league office.

Perry Fewell was let go by the Carolina Panthers following an unsuccessful spell as interim head coach following the departure of Ron Rivera.

He was not out work long, with ESPN’s Kevin Seifert reporting that Fewell has joined the NFL league office for a job that will include supervision of the officiating department.

Fewell joins a long list of ex-coaches that have made the transition to office roles in recent years. The more high-profile of these include Joe Philbin and Jim Schwartz.

The move comes after the NFL decided to shake up its officiating department after a comedy of errors throughout the 2019 campaign relating to replay reviews. This was particularly evident on pass interferences calls and became an increasing source of frustration for NFL coaches.

Seifert wrote this on Fewell’s role, which doesn’t appear to be the clearest at the present time.

"“Fewell’s title was not immediately clear, and the NFL declined comment. But for months, the league has been searching for candidates to fill a larger role that would take overall responsibility of the department.“Sources said Fewell will oversee the day-to-day operations of the officiating department, ensure compliance with the league’s collective bargaining agreement with the NFL Referee Association and handle communication with coaches and general managers, among other tasks.”"

Seifert also reported that form head of NFL officiating Dean Blandino was an early target for the role now filled by Fewell. But the two sides could not come to an agreement.

Fewell began coaching in the NFL back in 1998, developing a knack for bringing the best out of defensive backs. He accepted an offer to become Panthers’ secondary coach last summer and was appointed interim head coach in December after the franchise parted ways with Rivera.

He went 0-4 during his time at the helm and was deemed surplus to requirements following Carolina’s decision to spend big to take Rhule away from Baylor.