David Tepper supports Panthers’ choice of Bryce Young

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper left the media puzzled after firing coach Frank Reich in a succinct 14-minute news conference. Tepper defended the decision to draft quarterback Bryce Young as the top pick and declared his support of it despite the team’s 1-10 record. Critics questioned the decision, suggesting that the Panthers should have selected C.J. Stroud, who is having a stellar season after being chosen by the Houston Texans.

Tepper steered clear of directly addressing the criticisms, but he emphatically stood by the contentious decision to pick Young, whose performance has drawn mixed opinions.

“Now, look, everything that’s right here, everything that’s wrong here, ultimately it’s my fault,” he said. “I’ve got the final say. But as far as those decisions, whether it’s Frank Reich or it’s Bryce Young, those decisions were made.

“And in the case of Bryce it was almost … I believe it was a unanimous decision from the coaches and the scouts. And very strong opinions at the time.”

Tepper reinforced his confidence in the controversial pick, asserting that it was unanimously agreed upon by the coaching staff and scouts. Reich, who was hired for his offensive prowess, has publicly shown his support for the decision, despite earlier reports suggesting his preference for Stroud.

Tepper also took the opportunity to explain his patience and decision-making process, particularly given the recent controversial moves. He emphasized his commitment to the team’s long-term success and the desire for stable leadership similar to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ tradition. Despite the frustration of six consecutive losing seasons under his ownership, Tepper affirmed his relentless pursuit of success and improvement for the Panthers.

The abrupt conclusion of the news conference left several unanswered questions about the team’s future, leaving fans curious about the next steps Tepper will take to address the coaching and organizational challenges. The Carolina Panthers’ next move on the coaching front is highly anticipated, with speculation that an offensive-minded coach will likely lead the team into the next chapter.

As Tepper continues to navigate through the trying period, he acknowledged the underlying frustration within the fan base and vowed to make significant improvements to bring the team back to its former glory.