We mentioned last night the possibility that the Panthers have opted to bring back coach John Fox because of a possible lockout in 2011.
Jason La Canfora of NFL Network has another theory that makes plenty of sense to us — the Panthers might be trying to get Fox to leave without owing him the full $6 million he’s due to receive in 2010.
For example, if Fox gets a free pass in exchange for reducing his buyout to $3 million, the Panthers get what they want, and they’d save $3 million.
Fox could choose to hold firm, forcing the Panthers to cut him loose if they don’t want him for next year. At a certain point, however, the situation will be unacceptable.
The question becomes whether the Panthers or Fox will blink.
The fact that G.M. Marty Hurney and the rest of the coaching staff are involved in this equation serves only to complicate the process, however, essentially compelling the Panthers to work out a buyout Hurney and the assistant coaches in order to make the departure of Fox work.
John Fox’s Panthers are the most consistantly inconsistant team year in, year out.
That’s an organization that could use a change, pronto.
As a Bills’ fan, the Bills should be jumping at the chance to pursue Fox if he is cut loose. I agree that his teams are inconsistent, but the Bills are consistently awful to watch, so having a playoff team every other year in Buffalo would be hugely appreciated!
The Bills also need a GM, but Hurney is out in my book as he signed Delomme to that big extension last year which was an awful decision for an old QB on the downside of his career.
If it’s 3M and free to coach anywhere (except NFC south/Tampa) it might be doable from Fox’s point of view.
Is it possible the Panthers are looking to “trade” Fox for a 1st round pick since they don’t have one next year?
Inconsistency is indeed his biggest issue. However, next year would be a possible playoff year for Fox looking at the trends. Maybe he’ll just ride it out, the guy just built a house in Carolina and is winning back a lot of the support he lost early in the season
Panther fans need to wake up.. Fox is one of the best coaches in the league, it’s just his loyalty to vet’s that have gotten him in trouble.. now that he has Matt Moore playing well, all they need is a #2 receiver and the Panthers are back in the mix of superbowl contenders..
Its kind of like Jeff Fisher.. Tennessee isnt going to fire him, even though they sucked for half the year for sticking with Collins.. So many teams in the NFL would flip over these coaches.. just be grateful for what ya got.
reddog9,
You’re right, he would be a good fit up there. Fox’s inconsistency can be tied directly to Delhomme, whose contract pretty much forced Fox’s hand to play him.
Doesn’t make much sense for Fox to bail on the last year of his contract. No guarantee he’ll get a job in 2010 and it probably wouldn’t make him look too good to the other owners.
Panthers are done. As long as Peppers handcuffs them with his salary they are going nowhere. Also, having 2 stud RB’s will not work either. Both will command to much money, trade one for a 1st round pick while you can. Trade Williams, Stewart is a bigger and just as good runner. Cleveland will take him
To magsdad1, Fox’s panthers have been inconsistent throughout his tenure. They have a tendency to disappear for big games. And Delhomme’s contract was just signed last year, we are talking long term. Although 04 and 07 were pretty much sabotaged by injuries.
With the way Meeks has the D playing, this is a legit playoff team if Moore keeps growing and progressing
Williams needs to get his money.. he is the most underpaid, under-appreciated rb in the entire league.. If the panthers keep the 2 rb’s they have, and then add a wr like tate, gilyard, or lafell, I would not like to play the Panthers next year
Whatever Jason La Canfora is selling…I’m not buying.
That kid needs to get a little more dirt behind his ears and break something newsworthy on a consistent basis before I buy in…
Buy in for what…at this point, Carolina should force Fox out, and Fox shouldnt blink. He got them to a Super Bowl with what he’s known for…Defense.
Fox knows that that team has more bounce back capability than Tampa , Detroit, Cleveland, Oakland or Kansas City. Make Carolina force you off and overspend for a coach.
Fox always has a home with the Giants as DC!