Panthers owner David Tepper promises to 'self-reflect' after Reich's disastrous 11-game tenure
David Tepper, the Carolina Panthers hedge fund billionaire owner, attempted to fall on the sword Tuesday in an uncomfortable press conference where he barely answered questions directly. But one question Tepper did show some decency in self-reflecting was whether he would change his approach to hiring coaches after canning Frank Reich 11 games into his […]
David Tepper, the Carolina Panthers hedge fund billionaire owner, attempted to fall on the sword Tuesday in an uncomfortable press conference where he barely answered questions directly.
But one question Tepper did show some decency in self-reflecting was whether he would change his approach to hiring coaches after canning Frank Reich 11 games into his tenure with the Panthers.
"There’s no hiding it: it is what it is, like everything in this sport," Tepper said. "Everything’s left on the field. Everybody knows what it is every week. That record’s that record. And, like I said, it’s not good enough. We’re gonna self-reflect and make it better.”
Tepper, including interim coaches, has hired six for the position. None of them have lasted.
But the problems with the organization run deeper than mere coaches.
The roster lacked weapons for rookie quarterback Bryce Young to succeed. The Panthers have been willing to pay the wrong players and trade away quality starters. Carolina has cut corners in its rebuild every year, looking to produce microwave success instead of having the patience to build something substantive.
Those issues don't start with a head coach. They fall on Tepper's shoulders — making self-reflection a must.
Tepper has owned the team through its worst stretch in franchise history. Carolina's record currently sits at 30-63, the second-worst in the NFL in the six years since Tepper took over.
Self-reflection without accountability goes nowhere. That is why the Panthers routinely have the same issues. Tepper doesn't appear willing to do the work it takes to let something substantial build.
In football, throwing money at a situation can fix a lot. But it can't fix everything. Tepper has thrown money at the Panthers. What he needs to do is stop meddling and hire football people to make football decisions.
Tepper confirms Panthers expected to pick C.J. Stroud, but still ‘confident’ with Bryce Young
Draft night was supposed to go a little differently for the Carolina Panthers, team owner David Tepper confirmed Tuesday morning.
Tepper’s decision to fire Frank Reich shows Panthers made a mistake not hiring Steve Wilks
It was the only choice with an anemic offense, a 1-10 record, and a regressing Bryce Young.
