12-31-2010, 06:11 PM
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#1
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Hall Of Fame
OVR: 37
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Colorado
Posts: 11,616
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John Fox not returning to Carolina.
Not really surprising
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d...=breaking_news
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The contracts of Carolina Panthers coach John Fox and his staff will not be renewed after this season, the team announced Friday.
"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 said 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's tenure with Carolina will conclude Sunday, when the Panthers close the regular season against the Atlanta Falcons. Fox has coached the Panthers for the past nine seasons, compiling a 73-70 regular-season record and a 78-73 overall mark through last week's loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
"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," Fox said in a statement. "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."
In a light atmosphere full of smiles and laughs, the Panthers held their final full practice under Fox on Friday, with the coach insisting he has been preparing for the end of his run with the team for about two years.
The last workout at the Panthers' practice complex was an odd scene, with the Meineke Car Care Bowl about to kick off just a few steps away on the team's home field. Fox gathered the players around him shortly before noon, with a burst of laughter heard from players as they broke toward the locker room.
The team will hold a walkthrough Saturday before facing the Falcons.
"It's been a lot of great memories, a lot of fond memories, a lot of great relationships and something I'll cherish forever," Fox told reporters. "Now (I'll) just embark on the next chapter."
Fox was first denied a contract extension after the 2008 season. He entered the last year of his deal this fall after the Panthers began a youth movement that has left them an NFL-worst 2-13.
"It's not new," Fox said of his impending departure. "It's something I've been preparing for actually for a couple of years."
A rift had developed between Fox and Richardson since a 33-13 loss to the Arizona Cardinals in Carolina's last playoff game in January 2009.
The Panthers have never posted consecutive winning seasons under Fox, who is making more than $6 million this season, and have clinched the league's worst record heading into the Week 17.
Still, many players have come out in support of Fox, known as tough but also a player's coach.
"I'll say this," Fox said before hustling inside, "these guys have stayed enthusiastic and have continued to work very hard all season."
The Panthers will be without cornerback Chris Gamble (ankle), fullback Tony Fiammetta (ankle) and defensive tackle Ed Johnson (knee) against the Falcons. Wide receiver Steve Smith (calf) is questionable after missing practice Friday |
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