Panthers coach John Fox widely is believed to be on the hot seat, given the proximity of Bill Cowher to Charlotte and the open desire of Jerry Richardson to emulate the family that previously employed Cowher in Pittsburgh.
And as Fox approaches the commencement of the final year of his current contract, Charles Chandler of McClatchy Newspapers reports that there have been no negotiations regarding an extension.
It’s a significant development (or, more accurately, non-development) because the Panthers have never allowed a coach to operate as a lame duck.
So it’s possible, if not probable, that Fox either will get a new contract or get fired after the season.
Based on the team’s 5-7 record and an overall vibe suggesting a status even worse than that, our money is on the latter.
Fox quietly has been the team’s head coach for eight years. He led the Panthers to a Super Bowl in his second season on the job.
