Carolina Panthers part ways with GM Scott Fitterer

The Carolina Panthers parted ways with general manager Scott Fitterer, according to a release from the team.

The Panthers finished the season 2-15 after a loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday. After picking No. 1 overall last year and selecting quarterback Bryce Young, nothing went right this season.

Tepper released a statement Monday morning.

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

Earlier this season, the Panthers fired head coach Frank Reich before getting through his first season. He went 1-10 in 11 games.

Things just went from bad to worse throughout the year. Young’s rookie season paled in comparison in relation to No. 2 pick CJ Stroud, who led the Houston Texans to an AFC South title.

Young finished the year with 2,877 yards, 11 touchdowns, 10 interceptions and a 59.8% completion percentage. Some can call it Fitterer’s mistake to draft Young over Stroud, but that’d be hindsight.

Fitterer was the GM since 2021 after serving as the VP of Football Operations with the Seattle Seahawks in 2020.

He started his career as an area scout for the New York Giants in 1998 before taking on the same role in Seattle in 2001, staying there til 2010. That’s when Fitterer rose up the ranks with roles such as Director of College Scouting and Co-Director of Player Personnel.

David Tepper releases statement after NFL announces fine

Tepper issued a statement last Tuesday after being fined $300,000 for his “unacceptable conduct” during the 26-0 Week 17 defeat to the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday at EverBank Stadium.

“I am deeply passionate about this team and regret my behavior on Sunday,” Tepper said. “Should have let NFL stadium security handle any issues that arose. I respect the NFL’s code of conduct and accept the League’s discipline for my behavior.”

Tepper was videoed throwing a drink on a Jaguars fan out of the window of the suite he was in. The incident appeared to occur after quarterback Bryce Young threw an interception late in the fourth quarter. Tepper is the second-richest owner in the league, carrying a net worth of $20.6 billion. Per ESPN, the fine represents less than 1% of 1% of his wealth.

“All NFL personnel are expected to conduct themselves at all times in ways that respect our fans and favorably reflect on their team and the NFL,” the league said in a statement.