Panthers make it official: John Fox and his staff are out

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We’ve all just assumed for months now that John Fox was in his last season as the Carolina Panthers’ head coach. We don’t have to assume anymore.

The Panthers made it official today, announcing that Fox and his staff are all out after Sunday’s season finale.

“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,” Panthers owner Jerry Richardson in a statement. “While we haven’t accomplished all of the goals we set as an organization when we signed him in 2002, we have certainly had our share of high moments -– the Super Bowl, two NFC Championship games, and a division title in 2008. We wish John and his family the best going forward.”

Fox also offered a statement, saying, “I appreciate the opportunity Mr. Richardson gave me to be a head coach in the National Football League nine years ago and to be a part of this 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 has a 78-73 record with the Panthers.

38 responses to “Panthers make it official: John Fox and his staff are out

  1. “as happens in this business, it is time for both sides to move in different directions,”

    In other words, while the bus rolls on, we’re throwing you under it.

  2. thereisalwaysnextyear says: Dec 31, 2010 4:48 PM

    Why now instead of after the game? PFT have any thoughts if there was a reason for the timing?
    ********************************************************
    You gotta figure they’re trying to get a head start on the coaching carousel.

  3. John Fox is, and always has been, a class act and a winner. From a Panther follower in North Carolina, thank you for bringing stability to a fledgling franchise. Your only “mistake” was winning too soon. You spoiled the fans. No doubt you’ll be a head coach again…probably in weeks. We wish you well and we thank you for all you have done.

  4. Sure…why not. A 6th quarterback on the roster. Trivia question: Name the other five Q B’s.

  5. Off the top of my head Matt Moore, Jimmy Clausen, Tony Pike, Armanti Edwards if he counts as one and…. Umm does DelHomme count since they are still paying him?

  6. Andrew Luck can gum up the works by NOT declaring himself for the draft. What the heck, Bradford and Locker both did it, jeopardizing several million in the process; why not another one?

    If Harbaugh goes to San Fran AND they swing a big trade for the #1 pick, then it’s the best of both worlds for Luck; he can play in San Fran and complete his degree on the side at his alma mater.

    It’ll take more than picks though; it’ll probably cost them a really good player.

  7. John Fox is one of the best coaches in the league. Unfortunately, you can’t turn 5th grade football talent into a powerhouse, no matter how good of a coach you are (unless you have certain guys under center whose last names rhyme with Fanning and Shady).

    Just watch what this guy does if he lands with an organization headed in the right direction/some of the puzzle pieces already in place. I would be absolutely shocked if he isn’t a head coach somewhere next season, barring a personal desire not to.

    Not sure why Richardson would now go show up at someone like Cowher’s house with a dumptruck full of money. If he wanted a good coach, he had one. This smells more like a case of a guy trying to get a coach for pennies to go along with the players for pennies on the roster (see: Pittsburgh Pirates). This franchise isn’t going to be dormant for a long, long time. What a shame.

  8. as phil said, he was good against the Saints. We owned the Saints for most of his reign. Now we’ll probably join most of the league in getting whooped.

  9. bspn2 says:

    And now it’s time for Bill Cowher…
    —————————————–

    The Lisp is overrated.

  10. bspn2 says:
    Dec 31, 2010 5:02 PM
    And now it’s time for Bill Cowher…

    ==============================

    You are a fool.
    Cower won’t come to the Panthers in their current state of suckitude ……..
    Know your NFL football POS ………………

  11. yes, joetoronto:

    ‘head start on the coaching carosel’

    =======================

    I agree… very very smart move on their part.

    Lets see, Cowher is in North Carolina, two daughters still playing college? can’t remember, wife passed away, he’s ready, or… he likes the camera now and a desk

  12. Lest we forget Mr. St. Pierre, plucked from the normalcy of civilian life and thrust into the starter’s role…for one game…

  13. Attention AL DAVIS!!! If you may recall, John Fox was the Raiders D-coordinator prior to becoming the Panthers HC.

  14. Seriously Raiders4life.. he left on seriously bad terms.. no way he comes back to Al’s carousel.. not that I would want him.. living in NC, I know that Fox certainly isn’t the answer to anyone’s problems.. much less the Raiders. As for those thinking that Richardson has a shot a landing Cowher.. like I said.. living in NC, I have perspective.. had they fired Fox and gone HARD after Cowher last year, they might have gotten him. As it stands… Richardson pretty much has said he doesn’t even expect them to have a bargaining agreement, so his entire plan was that there was NO football in 2011… and he is not about to pay the money to Cowher.. or Gruden.. or anyone else who has a proven name… I guarantee it. As for those wondering about the timing, I wouldn’t be surprised if Foxy himself forced the message, just to get his name out early for the MANY openings that will be available.. whether head coach or D co-ord. Either way, Foxy will be employed… but Carolina even thinking that Cowher or Gruden or anyone who will demand cash, is crazy to think that Richardson is going to pony up now… Hell, they are letting Smith walk…. Williams is thinking about leaving, but he’s in love with a “local” girl. The whole Luck/Harbaugh thing sounds good.. but.. I just don’t see Richardson paying the jack for either of them. Those of you that are Panther fans need to realize how cheap your owner is.. and those that aren’t Panther fans need to realize how cheap the owner of that franchise is….

  15. John Fox – One of only three head coaches to inherit a one-win team and take it to the playoffs two years later…the other two are Vince Lombardi & Bill Parcells.

    AND from 2002-2009 the guy averaged 10 wins a season.

    3/4 of current NFL teams would be better off with Fox as their head coach.

    When you compare the skill, knowledge, & class between John Fox & guys like Rex Ryan, Eric Mangini, Tom Cable, and Jeff Fisher it makes you realize that no said ever promised that life was fair.

  16. Raiders4life-Rumor had it Fox’s leaving that org was not on the best terms. I wouldn’t count on it.
    I don’t think Cable is that bad I would fire him but then again I don’t follow the team day to day like you do I am sure.
    Cowher will not go to the Panthers..I would almost lay money on that.

  17. kimcon22000 says: Dec 31, 2010 8:02 PM

    bspn2 says:
    Dec 31, 2010 5:02 PM
    And now it’s time for Bill Cowher…

    ==============================

    You are a fool.
    Cower won’t come to the Panthers in their current state of suckitude ……..
    Know your NFL football POS ………………
    ********************************************************
    That’s pretty strong, WTF?

  18. Chilldress, John Fox, Marvin Lewis and Reid all went over seas together before the 2010 season to support our troops… only 1 of the 4 will be coaching the same team in 2011… Weird…

  19. The best part of all this, goodbye Jeff Davidson. The worst offensive coordinator ever.

  20. John Fox = good, not great coach. I’ll give him a pass for this season, since they blew up the team, but 3 winning seasons in 9 years doesn’t cut it. And for everyone who thinks he’ll land a head coaching job for next season, forget it. Coaches coming off 2-14 seasons don’t get a lot of offers. I’m sure he’ll be DC somewhere, though.

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