Panthers fire GM Scott Fitterer after 2-15 season

CAROLINA PANTHERS

The Panthers fired general manager Scott Fitterer Monday after three straight losing seasons, including a 2-15 mark in 2023 that is second worst in franchise history.

Before a practice last week behind Bank of America Stadium, Scott Fitterer walked past two local reporters.

On a frigid morning, the Carolina Panthers general manager arrived wearing a heavy coat, hands tucked deep into its pockets.

“You guys warm enough out here?” Fitterer asked.

The reporters were fine. It was Fitterer feeling the heat.

On Monday, less than 24 hours after capping a historically poor season with a lackluster 9-0 loss to Tampa Bay, Panthers owner David Tepper announced Fitterer’s firing nearly three years from the day he joined the organization.

“As we move forward with the new direction of our franchise, I have made the decision that Scott Fitterer will no longer serve as our general manager,” Tepper said via team statement. “I appreciate Scott’s efforts and wish the best for him and his family.”

Captained by Fitterer, the Panthers lost several key contributors and went 5-12, 7-10 and 2-15. In the end, his roster missteps were too much to overcome.

With Tepper’s Nov. 27 dismissal of coach Frank Reich, Carolina will be looking to fill two vital openings for the first time since 2002.  The Panthers reportedly will commence the search immediately. Coaching candidates will be free for in-person interviews Jan. 22.

Taking a moment from cleaning out his locker Monday, quarterback Bryce Young addressed the news. Fitterer drafted Young No. 1 overall last April.  

“It’s a tough part of the business,” Young said. “I definitely do appreciate (the draft position). I wish nothing but the best for him going forward. Tough to see.”

Young was asked if having a new GM and coach means a “fresh start” after one of the worst seasons in franchise history. The Panthers offense ranked last in yards per game (265.3) and points (13.9). They averaged 16 fewer points per game than the league-leading Dallas Cowboys.

“That’s kind of how we all look at it, as a reset,” Young said. “Next year being a new year, we have to put the work in. We have to take ownership. We have to be better.”
It would be tough to fall lower.  

During Fitterer’s three seasons, the Panthers finished 14-37, the NFL’s worst record over that span.

With assistant general manager Dan Morgan acting as interim GM, the front office didn‘t waste any time assembling next season’s roster.
Among a series of moves Monday, the Panthers signined tight end Stephen Sullivan and defensive linemen Nick Thurman and LaBryan Ray to one-year extensions.

Deals left Panthers in a hole

Fitterer started his NFL career with the Seattle Seahawks as an area scout (2001-10), director of college scouting (2011-14), co-director of player personnel (2015 to 2019) and vice president of football operations (2020).  

As a first-time GM, Fitterer’s tenure likely will be remembered for a series of bad roster decisions, including trades of premier running back Christian McCaffrey and receiver D.J. Moore. Fitterer also went against the NFL grain and signed running back Miles Sanders to a four-year, $25 million deal last offseason.  

Those are just a few of the deals that backfired.

The deal to acquire Young probably will haunt the franchise in the near future. After finishing with the NFL’s worst record, the right to 2024’s top draft pick belongs to the Chicago Bears.
The Panthers’ first pick is the 33rd overall.

Fitterer’s inability to sign cornerstone defender Brian Burns to a contract extension and his draft classes also led to his dismissal.  Of the 22 players Fitterer drafted, eight are already gone. Of the 14 who remain, there appear to be more questions than certainties.

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