Which Carolina Panthers news stories are hitting the headlines as speculation continues to mount about their head coach and general manager vacancies?
It's been a whirlwind couple of days for the Carolina Panthers. The team was shut out for a second straight game to finish their season. General manager Scott Fitterer was fired. Those in power aggressively began forming their head coach and general manager shortlists in pursuit of finally bringing the right people into the organization.
Developments are ongoing and the headlines are plentiful. As we wait for further news, the stories causing debate include Dan Morgan's potential role moving forward, Ikem Ekwonu's desire, a warning for Jim Harbaugh, and team owner David Tepper being trolled by a veteran NFL executive.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Dan Morgan's future Carolina Panthers role
Scott Fitterer might be gone, but those who worked closely with the general manager remain. The Carolina Panthers have given more responsibilities to Dan Morgan during this important transition. According to David Newton from ESPN, he'll interview formally for the vacant general manager position.
This is a contentious issue among fans. Some are calling for a complete reset. Others want the former All-Pro linebacker to get his shot at running things. In truth, it could go either way.
Looking at the other candidates on Carolina's shortlist - most with analytic backgrounds - the prospect of retaining Morgan as the primary roster molder and personnel evaluator cannot be ruled out. This leaves the new hire - whoever that might be - to work alongside him on issues such as the salary cap.
This method has brought some success around the league. But it would involve team owner David Tepper staying out of the way at long last.
Carolina Panthers OT Ikem Ekwonu's desire
It was a sophomore campaign to forget for offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu. The former first-round pick regressed considerably after a promising rookie year, giving up countless pressures and casting doubt on his chances of becoming the franchise left tackle many envisaged after he was taken No. 6 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft.
There are growing calls for the Carolina Panthers to move Ekwonu onto the interior. Although this might be a viable option depending on how the new coaching staff perceives his talent, the former North Carolina State standout wasn't interested in the possibility based on comments via David Newton of ESPN.
"I know I can play left tackle at an elite level in this league, and I'm gonna go into the offseason making sure I'm the best left tackle I can be."Ikem Ekwonu via ESPN
Those protecting the blindside effectively make much more money than anybody on the interior offensive line, so it's no wonder Ekwonu wants to stay on the edge. However, there is a lot of hard work ahead heading into a critical Year 3 for the player.
After conceding 11 sacks and a whopping 12 penalties from 1,148 snaps, the jury is still out on Ekwonu. And make no mistake, extra competition is coming to the offensive line this offseason to further raise the stakes.
David Tepper trolled by NFL executive
The pressure is on Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper to get things right during another hiring cycle. Cutting Frank Reich and Scott Fitterer loose within a few weeks of each other is a good start. Much more is needed, but hiring a consultancy firm on top of that indicates a willingness to shift his approach if nothing else.
Tepper is an erratic decision-maker when it comes to the Panthers. This has brought more instability to the organization than ever before. Many believe the best course of action is for the hedge fund manager to write the checks and stay out of the way moving forward.
How likely that is remains to be seen. Mike Sando of The Athletic highlighted a cheeky comment made by a veteran NFL executive, who stated speculation should already be rife about who Carolina's next interim head coach will be under Tepper.
"What will Carolina do? That one could be most interesting of all, given owner Tepper’s experience with Ron Rivera, Perry Fewell, Matt Rhule, Steve Wilks, Frank Reich and Chris Tabor in his six seasons of ownership. Tepper, who made his billions in hedge funds, trades coaches like cryptocurrency. “We should probably predict who his next interim head coach is going to be,” a veteran exec joked."Mike Sando, The Athletic
This is tongue-in-cheek, but it's an indictment of how Tepper is being perceived in league circles. Until he admits his methods are holding the team back, nothing will change. But this is the sort of blank canvas that could intrigue potential candidates if the billionaire is willing to change his ways.
Jim Harbaugh warned off Carolina Panthers
Jim Harbaugh secured a college football national championship with Michigan this week. Almost immediately, speculation ramped up about his next move with multiple NFL teams reportedly willing to make him their next head coach.
Talk of Harbaugh joining the Carolina Panthers has increased slightly over the last 24 hours. A report surfaced about an approach being made without official confirmation coming from the team. Considering their transparent approach to the hiring cycle so far, this casts the report into doubt.
The Panthers landed dead last on the list of intriguing destinations for Harbaugh according to Brent Sobleski from The Bleacher Report. This was down to David Tepper's recent failures and the questions surrounding quarterback Bryce Young as a legitimate franchise option under center.
"The Carolina Panthers will have a difficult time making a quality hire, let alone luring one of the most high-profile collegiate coaches away from one the nation's best setups. David Tepper is the simple reason as to why. Tepper became the franchise's owner in 2018. Between then and now, he's already fired three coaches, with each of the trio being relieved of his duties midseason. Who wants to accept a job for an owner who has an established track record of impatience, particularly when they're inheriting the league's worst team? The Panthers are too much of a rebuilding project, with questions swirling around last year's No. 1 overall pick, quarterback Bryce Young."Brent Sobleski, The Bleacher Report
Harbaugh might have his pick of choices, as will Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. If that's the case, both could be tempted elsewhere. But if Tepper sees the error of his ways, it changes everything.