Carolina Panthers fire coach, John Fox
Carolina Panthers head coach John Fox’s stint with the franchise has come to an end. On Friday, Jerry Richardson, club owner, announced that he had decided to call it a day for Fox and his staff.
“I told John today that I appreciate everything he has done for us over the last nine years, but as happens in this business, it is time for both sides to move in different directions,” Richardson said. Richardson admitted that
the organization had been unable to achieve all the goals it had set for itself when it signed the coach in 2002 but at the same time emphasized the fact that there had been ‘high moments’ for the club under Fox.
The Panthers won the Super Bowl in 2004, two NFC championships and a division title while Fox was the team’s coach.
Fox’s contract will expire this Sunday when the Panthers play the Atlanta Falcons. With Fox, the team has had a record of 73-70 since 2002.
The coach said that he was thankful for the opportunity Richardson gave him and he was honoured to be a part of his organization. “I have formed many close relationships and I have many great memories. I particularly want to thank
the players for their efforts throughout the years. Working with so many great people has been a rewarding experience,” Fox said. He told reporters that he would forever cherish his time with the Panthers. “Now (I'll) just embark on the next chapter.”
Fox said that he had been preparing for the end of his run with the Panthers for quite some time now. He was first denied a contract extension two years ago. “It's not new,” the coach said. “It's something I've been preparing for
actually for a couple of years.”
Panthers have the worst record in the league this season with just 2 wins against 13 losses. This Sunday, the Panthers will meet with the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome at 1 PM Eastern Time. The Falcons will secure the division
title if the Panthers are unable to defeat them.
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