Which Carolina Panthers news stories are hitting the headlines after a dramatic Black Monday across the organization?
It didn't take long for change once the Carolina Panthers got their final regular-season commitment out of the way. There was clear purpose and transparency from the organization in pursuit of a brighter future. After the way team owner David Tepper's conducted business in recent years, it represents a refreshing shift and provides confidence better days are ahead.
As expected, there was a lot to unpack. Until further developments arrive, the stories causing debate include Tepper biting the bullet with general manager Scott Fitterer, early purpose heading into the offseason, Jeremy Chinn on his lack of involvement, and Brian Burns preparing for whatever comes next.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Carolina Panthers fire Scott Fitterer
After a two-win season and the Carolina Panthers already looking for another head coach, it seemed almost inevitable that general manager Scott Fitterer would be made surplus to requirements. David Tepper bit the bullet on another whiffed hire under his ownership. This is the first time the franchise will be hiring coaching and front-office leaders simultaneously since 2002.
This was a necessary evil for Tepper and the Panthers. He developed a close working relationship with Fitterer. He perhaps got the chance to push him around as a meddling owner without fear of confrontation. But ultimately, this was the only viable route forward to get this organization off its knees.
And the Panthers wasted no time in making their intentions known in the hours after Fitterer's departure.
Carolina Panthers moving with early purpose
The Carolina Panthers are adopting a hard reset as they look to put the necessary pieces in place to get this franchise trending in a positive direction at long last. With others around the league also making their intentions known - the Washington Commanders, in particular - David Tepper and his consultancy firm turned up the heat by announcing their moves more transparently.
The head coaching interview requests published by the team were widely well-received. Some names were obvious based on recent reports. Others came out of the blue. But the list is comprehensive with a primary focus on offensive minds despite Frank Reich's failure to meet expectations.
- Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson
- Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik
- Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan
- Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn
- Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald
- Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith
- Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris
- Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken
- Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales
As for the general manager interview requests, there was an analytical feel to those generating interest. This could mean the Panthers are focusing on a primary salary-cap manager to work alongside interim front-office leader Dan Morgan. Only time will tell on that front, but the team's list so far is encouraging nonetheless.
- Giants assistant GM Brandon Brown
- Buccaneers assistant GM Mike Greenberg
- Chiefs vice president of football operations Brandt Tilis.
- Eagles assistant GM Alec Halaby
- Saints assistant GM Khai Harley
- Ravens vice president of football administration Nick Matteo
- Colts assistant GM Ed Dodds
- Raiders interim GM Champ Kelly
Especially where the head coach candidates are concerned, the Panthers face significant competition to get their preferred guy. Tepper has deep pockets and could easily outbid anybody if he sees fit. Convincing coveted targets that this is a project to be part of represents the biggest stumbling block.
Jeremy Chinn's frustration with Carolina Panthers role
There was a somber mood within the Carolina Panthers locker room for their annual clean-out day. Some players will be back. Others will be moved on with little fanfare attached. Bonds formed throughout the years will be broken, which is all part of the NFL's cutthroat nature.
Ejiro Evero got a lot right as defensive coordinator. He led the unit to a decent campaign in difficult circumstances. If there was one flaw, the usage of athletic weapon Jeremy Chinn as part of his strategy could be it.
Chinn became a bit-part player under Evero despite the coach's big statements before the campaign. When discussing his lack of involvement in front of the media before leaving - perhaps for good - the former second-round pick's frustrations were glaring based on comments via USA Today Sports.
"Yeah, it really was. I think that was the most frustrating part for me, personally. Coming into this season, I thought wasn’t gonna come off the field. I thought I was gonna have a huge role in this defense, and be able to leave a large impact. But as the season goes, things change. Definitely was a surprise the way things didn’t end up panning out."Jeremy Chinn via USA Today Sports
The Southern Illinois product is out of contract, so he'll be relishing the prospect of going to an organization that can maximize the obvious talent at his disposal. After an exceptional rookie campaign in 2020, to see things end this way with Chinn is extremely disappointing.
Brian Burns' mindset
The Carolina Panthers have managed Brian Burns' contract situation terribly. It was another stain on general manager Scott Fitterer. It was a slap in the face to a cornerstone piece who remained nothing but professional throughout the summer. It also resulted in the star edge rusher worrying more about getting hurt than producing the goods on game days.
Burns heads into an offseason of uncertainty with his contract officially up. The Panthers aren't going to let him leave for nothing under any circumstances, but the former first-round selection is preparing for every eventuality based on his exit comments via USA Today Sports.
"I just know they [the Panthers] got a lot stuff to do. They got a lot of stuff to figure out. I don’t think I’m No. 1 on that list right now. The best thing I can do is be ready. If it do turn out that they do wanna keep me here and I stay, I’m ready. And if turns out I have to go somewhere else, I’m definitely ready for that, too. So as long as I’m ready in any angle, I’m fine."Brian Burns via USA Today Sports
Carolina will place the franchise tag on Burns. There is a broken relationship to repair above all else. Much will also depend on how the new front-office strategists perceive the situation give the Panthers have no first-round pick to call upon in 2024.
The situation should - and could - have been avoided. Hopefully, all parties involved can come to an acceptable arrangement that works for everybody.