After firing head coach Frank Reich in the midst of the season, the Carolina Panthers continued to wash home on Monday by firing normal supervisor Scott Fitterer, NFL Community’s Tom Pelissero reported on X.
“As we transfer ahead with the brand new path for our franchise, I’ve made the choice that Scott Fitterer will not function our normal supervisor,” Panthers proprietor David Tepper mentioned in a statement.
“I respect Scott’s efforts and need the very best for him and his household.”
This was the proper transfer because the Panthers have been arguably the worst franchise within the NFL since he took over.
The Panthers completed with the NFL’s worst report at 2-15, securing the franchise’s second 15-loss season in a 9-0 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Financial institution of America Stadium.
The shutout was the second in a row for a Panthers group that hadn’t been saved off the scoreboard since Week 7 of 2002 earlier than dropping 26-0 to the C.J. Beathard-led Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 17.
Fitterer’s tenure in Carolina — which ended with a 14-37 report with him in command of personnel — might be remembered for franchise-altering trades and poor monitor report on draft day.
In 2021 he traded for failed Jets quarterback Sam Darnold after which introduced in Baker Mayfield for 2022 when that failed. Darnold is now the backup in San Francisco whereas Mayfield simply led Tampa Bay to the NFC South title.
Fitterer determined to blow the entire squad up after beginning 1-5 in 2022, sending Christian McCaffrey to San Francisco for a haul of picks. That offseason he despatched their greatest remaining weapon in huge receiver D.J. Moore and 4 picks for the highest choose within the 2023 draft.
They famously chosen diminutive Alabama quarterback Bryce Younger with that choose as an alternative of Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud. Panthers followers acquired to look at a seemingly countless cycle of sacks and checkdowns from Younger whereas Stroud led Houston to the highest of the AFC South.
Whereas the chaotic state of affairs in Carolina made it practically unattainable to name Younger a mistake after a single season, there are very few profitable picks to level to within the Fitterer period.
His debut first-round choose in 2021 was cornerback Jaycee Horn at quantity 9, who has been strong when wholesome however has performed in solely 22 video games. He chosen Ikem Ekwonu with the sixth general in 2022 to anchor the offensive line, however he as an alternative allowed essentially the most sacks of any offensive lineman this season.
Essentially the most encouraging factor to be mentioned about Younger’s rookie yr is that he remained wholesome all through, lacking only one sport early within the yr regardless of taking 62 sacks. However he threw solely 11 touchdowns to 10 interceptions whereas racking up simply 2,877 passing yards on the yr and eclipsing 300 yards in a sport solely as soon as.
Stroud in the meantime will seemingly win the Offensive Rookie of the Yr award within the AFC, whereas Anthony Richardson flashed explosive performs for the Colts earlier than getting damage early within the yr. Even Will Levis, who wasn’t anticipated to start out in Tennessee this season, confirmed extra promise than Younger.
Fitterer will not be the person proprietor David Tepper must construct a aggressive roster. However whereas Panthers followers ought to be glad to see Fitterer let go, there might be little or no optimism that Tepper will usher in someone who can.
