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The National Media Is Finally Giving David Tepper The Scrutiny He Deserves

Author Melanie Day

You’ve almost certainly heard by now that the Panthers fired Frank Reich yesterday. This comes after the team has gone 1-10 to start the season, Reich’s first with the team. It also marks the second straight year the team has fired a coach midseason. After last year’s release of Matt Rhule fans breathed a sigh of relief. But this time, I’m not sure what the feeling is. Because while Reich certainly wasn’t the answer to the Panthers’ problems, his departure doesn’t really feel like a solution either. The general consensus for the last few years around the Carolinas is that the biggest problem is owner David Tepper himself. And now it’s not just the fans saying it, the national media is laying it on David Tepper, and honestly, it’s refreshing to see.

If you’re reading this you likely know the story by now. Tepper hasn’t made a lot of friends here, due to the abysmal state the Panthers are in, his failure with the Rock Hill facilities, the Eastland Mall fiasco, front office issues, an often short fuse (but too long in one specific instance) when it comes to Charlotte FC and Panthers coaches, and some rather tone def comments made in press conferences. Remember when he said he brought music to Charlotte? In his press conference today he pat himself on the back about the number of events at Bank of America Stadium, and the excitement of Lionel Messi when he came to town. Perhaps he’s forgotten that first and foremost he purchased an NFL Football Team.

But I digress. In the wake of the news of the Reich firing, the headlines seem to be more about Tepper than Reich. Here are just a handful of examples of this:

  • “David Tepper Is to Blame for the Panthers’ Mess’ (Sport’s Illustrated)
  • “David Tepper is the problem with the Panthers” (NBC Sports)
  • “David Tepper enters discussion for worst NFL owner after passing on CJ Stroud & firing Frank Reich: commentary” (Fox News)
  • “Dysfunction, firings and a meddling owner: who would coach the Panthers?” (The Guardian)
  • “Dan Patrick Blames David Tepper, Calls the Panthers ‘A Lifeless Franchise'” (Sports Illustrated)

And perhaps the most brutally honest of them all came from Charlotte Observer’s Scott Fowler (who says he was denied the opportunity to ask a question in the press conference thanks to the article)-“Panthers owner David Tepper fired another head coach. He should fire himself instead”. You can read that one here. It’s worth the read.

I think at this point, it’s pretty clear that Tepper is at least a significant portion of the issues plaguing the Carolina Panthers. As the owner he ultimately has to answer for what is going on. And I think a little accountability and self-awareness wouldn’t hurt when it comes to fans and his perception in the community. But it honestly seems like he doesn’t care what people think. He gets defensive, refuses to answer the tough questions, and today even told reporters he wasn’t going to say why he fired Reich. They could “speculate” on that.

The easy fix for the Panthers isn’t there. Tepper has preached patience since his arrival. Today, despite not giving Reich a full season, he said he is “patient”.  Ultimately someone will take the job. There are only 32 head coaching jobs in the NFL, so someone will want it badly enough. But with a probable 7+ positions open this year, Carolina won’t be the most desirable job available. An owner with a reputation for meddling, no first-round draft picks, and a roster that is lacking, are all obstacles whomever takes the job will face. The upside? If you believe in Bryce Young that can add to the appeal. While the fanbase at best can be described as apathetic currently, we’ve seen them rally around the team in successful times. I believe that passion can come back. I hope it will. We just need something to cheer about.

And to do that, we need David Tepper to stay out of the day-to-day when it comes to the Panthers. Charlotteans and both the Carolinas know it. The national media now knows it and is vocal about it. But will David Tepper listen? I wish I had faith he would. We’re all begging you, Tepper. Put the coach and GM (we all know Fiterer is gone by the end of the year) in place. And then take a step back. A big step back. We’ve tried it your way and it hasn’t worked. This isn’t a fantasy football team. Let the professionals handle it.

Twitter Reacts To Panthers Firing Frank Reich

I was anything but shocked when the notification came across my phone that the Carolina Panthers fired Frank Reich this morning. Yes, it’s only 11 games into his first season as the head coach. But David Tepper has a short leash when it comes to coaches (though not short enough when it came to Matt Rhule). And Reich, well he’s done literally nothing in his tenure. The offensive-minded head coach had an offense that can only be described as inept. The team seemingly never bought in. And they certainly didn’t rally around the coach.

Frank Reich and David Tepper

Most Panthers fans never wanted Reich to begin with. And he was set up to fail when the fanbase and team so desperately wanted Steve Wilkes to get the permanent job. To so many fans, there was hardly a realistic scenario where Reich did enough. But I think it’s safe to say, he didn’t do enough for anyone. Not only is the team sitting at 1-10 with the worst record in the NFL. They haven’t shown any signs of improvement. And it’s pretty clear that it was the wrong choice.

That being said as I previously alluded he was set up to fail. The Panthers sold their soul to get Bryce Young. Who admittedly doesn’t have a lot of help. But what we gave up to get Young cost us. And Reich was the one who ultimately took the blame first for that. A decision that most likely wasn’t his. He shouldn’t be the last, GM Scott Fitterer should be the next to go.

I’ve read numerous articles today placing the blame for the absolute **** show that the Panthers are, where I also place it- with David Tepper. Unfortunately, that’s the one thing we can’t change. It’s been a rough going for Panthers fans. I’ve honestly lost interest and certainly lost any emotional investment I had in this team. And I hate it. I resent Tepper. I wish he’d never taken over this team. And I wish he’d let the professionals do what they do and not interject himself in the day-to-day. He could learn, but I don’t have any reason to believe he will. Has he learned from his two horrendous coaching choices? I hope so. The city of Charlotte hopes so.

So while we wait to see what the next move is, enjoy Twitter’s reaction to the Panthers firing of Frank Reich. Because misery loves company. And being a Panthers fan since the day David Tepper became the owner? It’s been nothing but miserable.

  • The Best Job in Sports?

    The best jobs in sports are a fired coach with a solid guarantee (for example Jimbo Fisher at Texas A&M) and a backup quarterback. Reich will be fine, he will get a job with another team, and financially is doing well. Will he get another shot at a head coaching gig? I can’t imagine so.

  • He Won't Be Missed

    And if I were him, I’d be happy to be gone from the dumpster fire.

  • Change Takes Time

    But if it’s not working, it’s not working. What was the right move? Who knows.  But Tepper hasn’t made many friends in the Carolina’s or the NFL. And getting someone talented to take a job with a short leash, is going to be tough. I’m not defending Reich, and I’m not mad at this move. But what is the answer? And are we going to give anyone a reasonable chance at change?

  • The Bryce Young Experiment Can't Afford To Fail

    At this point the Panthers have to do anything and everything the can to make Young the quarterback of the future. I was never on board with him and certainly not what we gave up to get him. But we did, and the only thing we can hope for is the best. Who is the coach that gets the most out of Young? That’s the million dollar question. Can Tepper and co answer it correctly? I don’t have faith they do, but I hope they can. If your a Panthers fan, you have to hope. There is nothing else left.

  • Is The Grass Greener?

    It’s an NFL head coaching job. But it’s not the most appealing. It almost seems like whoever ultimately gets this job is set up to fail. So many unknowns. A lack of draft capital to make big changes. And an owner that hasn’t made himself look good and doesn’t give coaches time to implement systems. Is the guaranteed money worth it? Only to some.

  • Stroud vs. Young

    Yes, they have different teams around them. If the teams were reversed we may not see much of a difference. But Stroud has the Texans at 6-5. He’s thrown for over 3,200 yards, 19 touchdowns, and only 5 interceptions. Young has thrown for just over 1,800 for only 9 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. At least four of those have been pick sixes. It’s a conversation that should be had.

     

  • Nothing Surprises Me Anymore

    Everything in this organization is handled poorly. And if this is the case, it’s another example of that. I don’t know how many times it needs to be said, but it starts from the top.

 

 

Melanie Day is a graduate of North Carolina State University. She has worked for Beasley since 2012 in a variety of behind-the-scenes roles in both digital and promotions. Melanie writes about a diverse range of topics some of her favorites include travel, restaurants, Taylor Swift, and college athletics. When not at work you'll find her at a country concert or NC State sporting event.

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