Since buying the Panthers in 2018, David Tepper has employed six head coaches (including interims). So, with the organization eyeing a replacement for the recently-fired Frank Reich, Tepper surely wants his new hire to stick. So, it shouldn’t be much of a surprise that the Panthers are already connected to the biggest potential name on the HC market.
[RELATED: Panthers Fire HC Frank Reich]
League sources told Chad Finn of the Boston Globe that the Panthers are a team to watch in the upcoming Bill Belichick sweepstakes. The iconic head coach could see his illustrious tenure with the Patriots come to an end following the season, and while Robert Kraft and co. could hold out for trade compensation, Belichick will likely have a say in his next landing spot.
Since most teams would surely welcome in one of the greatest head coaches of all time, you would figure the lowly (and tumultuous) Panthers would be hard pressed to recruit Belichick. However, Finn notes that there are a number of factors that could draw the 71-year-old to Carolina.
For starters, the smaller media market means the curmudgeonly Belichick wouldn’t have to deal with the same headaches caused by the Boston media. Next, the coach would be “far away” from the Patriots and the AFC East, and the Panthers aren’t scheduled to take on New England until the 2025 campaign. Belichick would also be closer to his home in Florida, where he likes to spend parts of the offseason.
Of course, financials could also convince Belichick to join the Panthers. Tepper is the third-richest owner in the NFL, meaning he’d be able to pay Belichick while also spend on a pricey roster. Plus, considering general manager Scott Fitterer‘s uncertain future with the organization, Belichick would probably have carte blanche to run the front office as he wishes.
From the Panthers perspective, a Belichick hire would run counter to recent reports that the organization was eyeing more of an offensive-minded coach. Further, Tepper made it clear that he wants his next coach to be with the organization for the long haul. While Belichick might still have a few years left in the tank, the Panthers would be foolish to expect a long-term commitment from the coach.
Belichick will be one of many coaches connected to the Panthers gig once the season comes to an end. For what it’s worth, interim head coach Chris Tabor might not be included in that grouping of candidates. Tabor told reporters that he was given no assurances that he’ll be considered for the full-time job (per ESPN’s David Newton).
I envision Butch (Bill) and Sundance (Tepper) jumping off that cliff together. This is likely to go very poorly…
“League sources” = LOL
BB isn’t going to Carolina.
Depends on how badly he wants to keep coaching and how big his ego is. If he wants to coach but having full GM power like he’s had in NE is his expectation, Carolina might be his only option. HC Bill will be in demand. GM Bill? Not so much, he’s a bad GM.
At this point I’d pass on HC Bill if he and GM Bill are a package deal. Tepper would be the guy to write Bill a blank check and hand him the keys to the franchise, expecting a dynasty.
He is not going to a team with major rebuild might as well stay in New England unless Kraft actually fires him. Think Chargers or maybe Buffalo if they make change.
Carolina either owner offers crazy money. person hopes still get paid when fired in year or two. Someone who thinks it is one of 32 jobs. my only chance Eric Bieniemy first name you think of.
I think he could do well with Chargers.
Buffalo fans would revolt if they dumped McDermot for BB. Better to reload with an offensive coach at the helm.
I’m sure Belichick would love to be saddled with another ‘Bama QB.
He actually has a reportedly strong relationship with Saban so I doubt that’s really an issue for him if he likes Bryce Young, even with the way things have gone with Mac Jones
“League sources” could just mean anyone that works for nfl network or writes for nfl.com
An usher, but not Usher.
Or anyone who talks about the league.
Could also mean a ball boy from another team that heard it from a friend who heard it from another friend
Only part I agree with is “Belichick will likely have a say in his next landing spot.”
aka New England
Belichick Panthers……haha dream on
It has been a very trying year for Bill. I wouldn’t be surprised if he simply calls it quits and moves into some sort of consulting role similar to what Bill Parcells did at the end of his career.
What role would U want em in charge of @this point … Can’t draft worth a damn, Pats player development has fallen off cliff w/his guidance, n “greatest coach” ever clearly gets outcoached wk after wk w/putrid results. Gonna need 2fire up the way back machine 2 a time where Bill frankly cared bout winning w/his well orchestrated manipulation of nfl.
Consulting role*
Aka
Hey bill what do you think
Bill: womp womp womp womp womp womp womp charlie brown noises
Thanks bill great input as always.
Consulting just means you throw in your 2 cents here and there but dont actually make decisions.
Personally id listen to bill on defensive matters. Not so much offensive.
Tepper is a guy who likes to go for “splash” signings and I think Jim Harbaugh would be more likely to meet that requirement than BB.
Meet the requirement yes, but probably the worst situation in the NFL to take a HC job. If anything Jim can use Tepper (and the big bag of money he’ll offer) for leverage against other teams wanting to hire him.
I’m not sure how much leverage a coach gains by being an accomplished “signal stealer” but it’s going to be an entertaining drama to watch.
Leave the poor man alone. Patriots clearly tanked. There is a plan in place.
If Bill gets forced out, he will just pick an AFC playoff ready team. San Diego?
Nobody wants this job. At least, nobody qualified. Somebody might settle for it, but nobody wants it.
Coaches can want a rebuild. They rarely want a meddling owner. They never want an impatient one. I’m sure that Belichick longs for the old days of Kraft just leaving him alone-that’s pretty opposite of Tepper.
“Belichick to Carolina” is such a crackpot idea that even Charlotte news sites aren’t biting for it.
Carolinas worst team in league w/no direction 4positive tmrw n bringing in old stale message frm outdated coaching philosophy is just the trick 2 warrant continued anguish 4panthers fans … “We’re onto NC …”
Chargers next head coach.
I think I would want to negotiate a zero offset deal, meaning if I got fired and I got hired elsewhere, I kept getting in full by the Panthers rather than reduced by the amount my new employer is paying.