During a Friday morning press conference, both Panthers coach John Fox and G.M. Marty Hurney became emotional when talking about the departure of quarterback Jake Delhomme.
“This is a difficult time of the year,” Hurney said, per Steve Reed of CarolinaGrowl.com. “We have made difficult decisions with guys who have been here with us awhile and done everything we’ve asked of them. I think the common theme is we have some young players who have shown the ability and potential to step up. . . .
“The guy has been spectacular for us,” Hurney said, while per Reed choking back tears. “He’s the kind of player and person that we look for. It’s hard not to get emotional when you talk about him because he epitomizes everything that we want. He’s been an excellent player, a leader and everybody talks about role models and I don’t know whether you can get a better role model for your children than Jake Delhomme.
“We struggled with this one a lot and we got to the point where we made the decision that Matt Moore would be number one. It was time. I don’t think there has ever been a harder decision we’ve made here.”
Said Fox: “It’s an eight-year friendship, and in this league a quarterback and coach are very tied. We’ve both had some good success. . . . He’s done great things for this team, two championship games, a Super Bowl that was almost a comeback victory and [58-40] record in eight years. I’m not sure I’ve had any more respect for an NFL football player than Jake Delhomme.”
Fox also addressed his own status, for the first time. His contract expires after the 2010 season, and there will be no extension.
“I don’t think upset is the right word,” Fox said, per Reed. “This is a one-year business, at biggest. So I’m not going to really put much stock in that. I’ve been employed in the National Football League for 20 years. Make no mistake, my family and I love living in Charlotte. This organization has been great, giving me my first opportunity as a head coach. I appreciate that, froim the top on down, Mr. [Jerry] Richardson and Marty and the list beyond that.
“I’m not going to view or treat this season any differently in my mind. I’m sure it will be the subject of attention moving forward. But we have a saying in that locker room, ‘Be the same guy.’ It’s easy for me to say you can rest assured I’ll be the same guy.”
Still, it’s highly unlikely that Fox will be back in 2011, unless the Panthers have a stellar year. And if they do, it’ll happen with Matt Moore as the starting quarterback.