Carolina Panthers Fire General Manager Scott Fitterer After Three Seasons
The Carolina Panthers have announced the firing of general manager Scott Fitterer after three seasons with the team. The decision was made by Panthers owner David Tepper, who expressed his gratitude for Fitterer’s efforts while wishing him and his family the best in a statement released on Monday.
Fitterer’s tenure as general manager was marked by a disappointing 14-37 record, with the team finishing with a league-worst 2-15 record in 2023. The Panthers had previously fired coach Frank Reich 11 games into the season. Under Fitterer’s leadership, the Panthers’ .275 winning percentage was the lowest in the NFL over that span.
None of Fitterer’s draft picks or free-agent signees made a Pro Bowl appearance during his tenure. The team made a significant move leading up to the 2023 NFL Draft by acquiring the first pick in a trade with the Chicago Bears in March. However, the Panthers’ selection, quarterback Bryce Young, struggled in his rookie season, posting 2,877 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.
Fitterer, who had a background as a minor-league pitcher in the Toronto Blue Jays organization before transitioning to football, was known for his consensus-building approach when he joined the Panthers.
Tepper’s decision to fire Fitterer came after evaluating the team’s performance and the struggles they faced under Fitterer’s leadership. Despite dealing with some restrictions in his first two years due to former coach Matt Rhule’s contractual personnel control, Tepper felt that Fitterer did not do enough to surround the team’s top pick with playmakers or provide sufficient protection.
As the Panthers embark on a new direction for the franchise, there are speculations that Tepper might use this opportunity to reorganize the front office. There has been talk of the Panthers adding a senior vice president of football operations to serve as a go-between for Tepper and the coach/GM, with Dawn Aponte, the NFL’s chief administrator of football operations, being a potential candidate for the role. In terms of a replacement for the GM role, attention has turned to Kansas City Chiefs vice president of football operations Brandt Tillis.
As the Panthers begin their search for a new general manager and look to rebuild the team, the decision to part ways with Fitterer serves as a significant turning point in the team’s offseason.