David Tepper’s Carolina Panthers have begun to learn from their past mistakes, and that was rather evident throughout Tuesday’s introductory press conference for new head coach Frank Reich.
One moment that particularly displayed their progress came when Mike Solarte of Spectrum News 1 asked Reich about how he, general manager Scott Fitterer and the rest of the organization will build its roster. The 61-year-old would then give an answer that had to be music to many Panthers fans’ ears.
“Yeah, it’s balance of power,” he said. “Scott will have control of the 53. I’ll have control of who’s active, who’s not active. But, ultimately, that’s on paper. In reality, this is 100 percent collaborative. I can already tell that with Scott. We’re gonna work side by side. We’re gonna tirelessly work where we’re gonna have the same vision.
“We’ll have disagreements. Ya know, we’ll have disagreements. We’ll have different ideas. But, ultimately, we’ll come together as one and decide who are the best players on this team and how to build this team. And along with the scouting staff and the coaches, we’ll work together. So I look forward to that.”
Along with a fat seven-year, $62 million contract, Carolina’s last head coach in Matt Rhule was given a czar-like rule over the team’s personnel. And despite any overtures from Rhule himself, his deal did include the final say over roster decisions.
Well, that’s not the case this time around for Reich, who seems excited to already get going with Fitterer.
“I can already tell with Scott, that partnership is gonna be a highlight for me,” he added. And looking forward to getting to work as soon as we possibly can.”
