"As we move forward with the new direction for
our franchise, I have made the decision that Scott Fitterer will
no longer serve as our general manager," Tepper said in a
statement.
Fitterer was hired ahead of the 2021 season, and the franchise
went 14-37 during his short reign. He hired Frank Reich last
season, who Tepper fired after a 1-10 start to the 2023 season.
Fitterer moved up from ninth to No. 1 in order to draft Bryce
Young in last year's draft. He gave up two first-round picks and
wide receiver DJ Moore to the Chicago Bears, who now own the No.
1 pick in the 2024 draft as a result of the Panthers finishing
with the NFL's worst record.
Fitterer dealt perennial All-Pro Christian McCaffrey to the San
Francisco 49ers but eschewed trading Brian Burns to the Los
Angeles Rams, who were offering two first-round picks. Burns
will be a free agent after the sides were unable to come to
terms on a long-term deal.
Later Monday, the Panthers revealed a list of nine candidates
for their vacant head-coaching position and eight candidates for
the GM role that they requested to interview.
The head-coaching list included two names reportedly on the
Commanders' list -- Lions OC Ben Johnson and Rams DC Raheem
Morris -- along with two Baltimore Ravens coordinators, Todd
Monken (offensive) and Mike Macdonald (defensive).
The list also features perennial candidate Dan Quinn, currently
the Dallas Cowboys' defensive coordinator; up-and-coming Houston
Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik; Cincinnati Bengals
offensive coordinator Brian Callahan; Miami Dolphins offensive
coordinator Frank Smith; and Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive
coordinator Dave Canales.
On the GM side, the Panthers requested permission to interview
the following:
--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
--Field Level Media
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