CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers fired general manager Scott Fitterer Monday on the heels of the team's third consecutive losing season under his watch, the team announced Monday.
Fitterer, who joined the organization to work alongside former head coach Matt Rhule in 2021, was given full control of the roster for the first time this season. The Panthers were the worst team in the league, becoming the first franchise to finish 2-15 since the NFL expanded the regular season to 17 games. In three seasons under Fitterer, the Panthers were a cumulative 14-37.
"As we move forward with the new direction for our franchise, I have made the decision that Scott Fitterer will no longer serve as our general manager," Panthers owner David Tepper said. "I appreciate Scott's efforts and wish the best for him and his family."
Fitterer was part of the deal that gave Carolina the No. 1 pick in last year's draft, sending wide receiver D.J. Moore and a collection of picks to Chicago. This gave the Panthers Bryce Young, but it's been all downhill from there. As a result of Carolina's two wins, the Bears once again have the first overall pick and could draft a quarterback to replace Justin Fields, or if they choose, make another huge trade to acquire more assets.
Carolina added several veterans to help Young acclimate to the NFL. Wide receivers D.J. Chark and Adam Thielen, as well as running back Miles Sanders and tight end Hayden Hurst. Those players combined for just 11 touchdowns this season, but Thielen led the team with 1,014 receiving yards.
ESPN insider Adam Schefter reported Saturday that assistant general manager Dan Morgan, who played for Carolina from 2001-2007 before retiring due to injuries, could be a potential replacement. Morgan worked with Fitterer in Seattle for several years before he was named director of player personnel in Buffalo. He was named assistant general manager of the Panthers in 2021.
Whoever David Tepper hires, the first order of business will be finding the team's next head coach. Special teams coordinator Chris Tabor coached the team's final six games after Frank Reich's midseason firing. Reich's tenure was the shortest for a head coach in the last 45 years as he lasted just 11 games. Patriots legend Bill Belichick has been a rumored candidate. Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who grew up in Asheville and played at North Carolina, is also one of the hottest names for a head coaching job. Johnson was in the mix last year before removing his name from contention to stay in Detroit.
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