The front management of Carolina moved up to choose quarterback Bryce Young of Alabama, the winner of the Heisman Trophy, with the first overall pick in this year’s draft. In the process, Carolina gave up star wide receiver DJ Moore, their first-round pick in 2024, a second-round pick in 2025, and the Nos. 9 and 61 picks in the 2023 draft.
They made a smart move by acquiring their elite quarterback. But in a tough season, Carolina soon discovered that its franchise quarterback would be treading very carefully.
The Panthers sacked head coach Frank Reich late last month, but the franchise was experiencing internal strife even before that. Following head coach Frank Reich’s sacking by Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper last week, a number of Panthers coaches, players, and staff individuals disclosed issues with the organization in anonymous statements.
“Hunger Games” culture in the Panthers
People inside the organization compared the culture to the movie “The Hunger Games,” according to Joseph Person and Dianna Russini of The Athletic. Some coaches and staff members allegedly texted Tepper about problems behind Reich’s back and went to tremendous measures to save themselves when it seemed like Reich was about to leave.
“People are just pointing fingers in the hopes of avoiding being exposed,” an assistant coach told the newspaper.
𝗥𝗨𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗦: People inside the #Panthers building described a “Hunger Games” like culture around the team, with coaches saying they believed other staff members were texting owner David Tepper behind Frank Reich’s back about issues they saw with the team, per @DMRussini… pic.twitter.com/9VtORfjYVy
— JPA (@jasrifootball) December 6, 2023
Without consulting or informing Reich, the article claims that offensive coach Scott Fitterer and general manager Scott Fitterer discussed coaching suggestions for rookie quarterback Bryce Young.
When putting together his coaching staff, Tepper allegedly pushed Reich to reach outside his comfort zone, which clearly caused problems this season. A panthers staffer told Athletic ,
“It’s just not a good offense,” “You didn’t see Indy’s offense when they (were second in) the league in rushing (in 2021). You didn’t see Philly when he was there or when he was with the Chargers and those dynamic offenses. You didn’t see any of that.”
Reich was hired by the Panthers on a four-year contract after going 40-33-1 and appearing in two playoff games during portions of five seasons as the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts. However, Reich’s stint was brief.
Reich had a 1-10 start before being fired. The 22-year-old Young has played in 11 games this season and completed 60.6 percent of his passes for 2,055 yards, nine touchdowns, and nine interceptions.
