TRGOVAC OUT IN CAROLINA

On Tuesday, the Charlotte Observer reported that the Panthers wanted defensive coordinator Mike Trgovac to return, and that he wanted to come back. The Observer also reported that Trgovac had been given a new contract, and that he was expected to sign it soon. Unexpectedly, Trgovac has had a change of heart. “We offered Trgo a contract and told him we wanted him back, but he informed us last night he wanted to pursue other options,” G.M. Marty Hurney said, per the Observer. There had been rumors that Trgovac could join the Jaguars as the team’s new defensive coordinator, succeeding Gregg Williams. But recent reports have indicated that Mel Tucker would be getting the job. Trgovac’s decision not to stay with the Panthers might change that. We’re now exploring rumors and reports that Tucker might end up replacing Donnie Henderson as the secondary coach in Jacksonville. If that happens, Trgovac could still end up becoming the defensive coordinator of the Jaguars. With Trgovac and defensive line coach Sal Sunseri out in Carolina, the Panthers now have an opportunity to try to placate defensive end Julius Peppers by hiring a coordinator who’ll use a system that will, in Peppers’ mind, maximize his potential. Last week, Peppers said that he wants to leave Carolina. His agent, Carl Carey, said that Peppers hopes to play in a 3-4 defense. The Panthers have employed under Trgovac a 4-3. UPDATE: As we hear it, Tucker is still in line to be the next defensive coordinator in Jacksonville.