David Tepper – Carolina Panthers owner
Nobody is going to fire or demote David Tepper. He is the primary shot-caller, the owner, and the man responsible for everything currently unfolding within the organization.
And that is a damning indictment of his tenure so far.
Tepper has been almost reclusive in front of the media in recent years. A far cry from the man that was more than willing to speak to anyone who’d listen about his ambitions after purchasing the Carolina Panthers from Jerry Richardson for a then-record $2.2 billion.
Fast forward and things aren’t looking so rosy.
Tepper has yet to experience a winning season – or any sniff of playoff football to be precise. If things don’t turn around quickly against the New Orleans Saints there will be even more fingers pointed in his direction.
Matt Rhule was Tepper’s guy. The billionaire might deny it, but he’s also had a leading say in the failed quarterback moves and indifferent coaching staff appointments.
This whole situation is a mess without even discussing the farcical situation surrounding Carolina’s ambitious headquarters in Rock Hill which is now nothing more than abandoned steel and messy financial disputes.
Just what Tepper’s tipping point is regarding this team is up for debate. But if the Panthers fall to yet another reverse on home soil, the fans will let him know about it.