We learned a lot from today’s press conferences that introduced Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer.
Perhaps the most interesting angle is the relationship between Fitterer and head coach Matt Rhule. Team owner David Tepper described it as a “collaborative effort” during the media session. Fitterer also talked about a similar dynamic in Seattle between general manager John Schneider and coach Pete Carroll, per the team website.
“It’s very similar to the 2010 version of John and Pete, where Pete got there first, and it was his program and his vision, and John was brought in a couple of weeks later after the interview process, and they found a fit. . . very much like that, but that relationship has really grown over the years. It’s become a collaboration.”
Not many people have the privilege of helping to choose their own boss. Carroll was one of them. Rhule is another.
The Panthers can call this whatever they want. What matters is who makes the executive decisions when the inevitable disagreements arise. From the outside looking in, it seems Rhule may have the upper hand.
For one thing, his contract is one year longer than Fitterer’s. Rhule will also have final say over the roster, according to team reporter Darin Gantt.
On top of that, Rhule says in terms of contracts a lot of the personnel decisions are his responsibility.
Matt Rhule says in terms of the "contracts" a lot of the personnel decisions are his responsibility, but that Fitterer is here to "run personnel" and it will be collaborative.
— Alaina Getzenberg (@agetzenberg) January 22, 2021
Just because it’s an odd arrangement doesn’t mean it can’t work. It certainly has for Seattle. If Rhule and Fitterer share the same vision and have chemistry then this franchise will have a good chance to contend again soon.
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