Jimmy Johnson’s Candid Assessment of Panthers Owner David Tepper
During a recent appearance on Fox Sports, two-time Super Bowl-winning coach Jimmy Johnson shared some critical insights regarding the Carolina Panthers’ struggles, specifically placing the blame on owner David Tepper. Johnson, who famously guided the Dallas Cowboys to back-to-back championships in 1992 and 1993, stated, “The owner of the Carolina Panthers, that’s the problem.”
He elaborated, highlighting Tepper’s decision-making process, “He’s making the major decisions without listening to his football people. David Tepper, it’s his team. He can do whatever he wants to, but look at the people that’s left. He’s the one who wanted Bryce Young as the No. 1 pick.”
Johnson continued to list notable players and coaches who have departed under Tepper’s ownership, saying, “You look at Christian McCaffrey, D.J. Moore, Brian Burns, Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold. You look at coaches: Steve Wilks, Frank Reich, Matt Rhule. On and on, he’s run them all off. He’s making the decisions. He has got to listen to his football people and quit playing fantasy football.”
Tepper acquired the Panthers from Jerry Richardson, the franchise’s founder, in May 2018 for an impressive $2.2 billion. As of 2024, the franchise is valued at $5.9 billion, ranking 25th in the NFL according to CNBC’s official team valuations. However, the Panthers have struggled significantly, posting the league’s worst record (31-70) since the start of the 2018 season, the year Tepper took ownership. Under his leadership, Carolina has cycled through four head coaches (seven including interim positions) and three general managers.
Adding to the tumult, Tepper was fined $300,000 for an incident involving a drink thrown at a Jaguars fan from the owner’s box during a Week 17 game last season.
Johnson’s remarks coincided with a discussion about the Panthers’ current quarterback situation. Following an 0-2 start this season, Carolina made the decision to bench Young, who, in his two games, managed to throw for 245 yards with three interceptions and no touchdowns.
In a move to rejuvenate their offense, the Panthers have named Andy Dalton as the starting quarterback for their upcoming game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Dalton’s only appearance as a starter for the Panthers came in Week 3 of last season against the Seattle Seahawks, where he completed 34 of 58 passes for 361 yards and two touchdowns, albeit in a 37-27 loss.
Required reading
- Panthers’ rush to start Bryce Young is QB malpractice seen all too often in NFL
- Andy Dalton didn’t know if he’d start again. Now, Panthers hope he can ‘fire up’ woeful offense
- Bryce Young, Tua and Watson: An NFL tipping point, or billionaires’ business as usual?
(Photo: David Jensen / Getty Images)
