Carolina Panthers Owner David Tepper Voices Support for New Interim Head Coach Amidst Upheaval

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
28/11/2023 20h14

In a press conference held on Tuesday morning, Carolina Panthers team owner David Tepper expressed unwavering confidence in the team's decision to appoint their sixth head coach in five years. Tepper, who had fired Frank Reich after a 1-10 start, spoke about his reputation for extreme patience while addressing the media.

"I do have patience," Tepper stated firmly. "My reputation away from this game is one of extreme patience."

Despite his claims of patience, Tepper acknowledged the stark reality the Panthers face. Reich's tenure as head coach was the shortest in the NFL in 45 years, lasting only 11 games. As a result, special teams coordinator Chris Tabor was promoted as the interim coach, leading to subsequent staff changes.

Tabor wasted no time in making adjustments, firing quarterbacks coach Josh McCown and assistant head coach/running backs coach Duce Staley. The offensive coordinator, Thomas Brown, will now take over play-calling duties, having alternated with Reich in the previous games. Parks Frazier has been promoted to quarterbacks coach under Tabor's guidance.

Tepper also took the opportunity to reinforce his support for the Panthers' controversial decision to trade up in the 2023 NFL Draft for the first overall pick and select Bryce Young. Despite Young's uneven performance thus far, Tepper maintained his confidence in the young quarterback.

"As far as Bryce Young is concerned... we are totally confident in that pick," Tepper emphasized. "In the case of Bryce, I believe it was a unanimous decision by the coaches and scouts. And very strong opinions at the time."

Young's numbers have been underwhelming, with a completion rate of 61.7%, 1,877 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and eight interceptions in 10 games. Additionally, he has taken 40 sacks and holds a passer rating of 74.9. The Panthers' offense currently ranks 29th in points scored and 30th in yardage.

Addressing rumors of his involvement in major decisions, Tepper dismissed claims of meddling, insisting that "football people" are primarily responsible for such choices. While he retains veto power, he emphasized that he relies on the input of these experts and largely supports their conclusions.

"In both cases, I supported both choices," Tepper asserted. "Whatever is good, bad, or indifferent is ultimately because the buck stops here, and I take full responsibility for everything. Everything that's right and everything that's wrong here ultimately is my fault."

As the Panthers navigate this period of transition and rally behind their new interim head coach, the team hopes to find stability and success on the field. Whether Tabor proves to be the long-term solution that Tepper desires remains to be seen, but the owner's commitment and faith in the process remain unwavering.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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