Chris Tabor began his first presser as interim head coach of the Carolina Panthers by doing his best Dusty Rhodes promo.
“First and foremost, I’d just like to say this—these are tough times,” he said. “Because you’re talkin’ about relationships and that’s what coaching is. You have relationships with players and you have relationships with other coaches. And a decision was made and I understand that.
“The NFL—it’s also a business. And so, I’m well aware of that. I’m very grateful and thankful for Coach Reich keepin’ me around last year when he first got here. And at the same time, I’m thankful for Mr. Tepper havin’ confidence in me to have this opportunity to lead the team these next six games.”
After mustering up a 1-10 record over the team’s first 11 games, the Panthers dismissed head coach Frank Reich yesterday morning. Tabor, the special teams coordinator for Carolina over the past two seasons, was then named to the interim post by owner David Tepper.
But these next six games won’t be the first time Tabor will lead a team. The 2020 campaign saw him take over for one game in place of Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy, who tested positive for COVID-19 in Week 8.
Tabor, who said he’ll have an opportunity to carry over the lessons he learned in that unusual situation, was then asked if he’ll have the chance to vie for the full-time gig come 2024. He said he was not told any such thing.
“I haven’t had that assurance,” Tabor stated. “And to be honest with ya, I’m workin’ on today. That’s all I’m focused on.”
His focus, if you will, should continue towards Sunday—when the Panthers take on their NFC South rivals in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
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