Rewritten: Written by Chris Lea, a sports anchor and reporter for WRAL-TV.

The new head coach of the Carolina Panthers, Dave Canales, is entering a hostile and unhealthy workplace.

I am certain that working for the Carolina Panthers, whether as a member of the front office staff or game day operations crew, is a desirable opportunity. However, any negative aspects will not be found in those positions.

David Tepper, owner of the Carolina Panthers, and the team’s fan base are the main topics that the Canales will need to address when sorting through toxicity.

First on Tepper.

Since he bought the franchise in 2018, the Panthers are at the bottom of the NFL in win percentage. Even more staggering, if you include interim head coaches, Canales will be the seventh head coach to work for David Tepper since then, sans Charlotte FC (which is another story).

Since 2020, there have been ongoing discussions about Tepper’s micromanaging approach within the franchise. This includes his involvement in roster choices and draft picks, suggestions in play-calling, and even assistant coaches reporting directly to him, rather than to former head coach Frank Reich.

This is the abbreviated version.

Toxic.

In order for Canales to thrive in Charlotte and avoid the same fate as other coaches under Tepper, the Panthers owner would need to implement some modifications.

In order for a franchise to be successful, it is important for the owner, General Manager, head coach, and quarterback to be in alignment. However, under David Tepper’s leadership, this alignment has not been present due to his actions.

However, the addition of Canales may indicate that it is now a possibility. Tepper selected former Panthers Assistant GM and linebacker Dan Morgan to assume the role of General Manager. Morgan previously worked alongside Canales during their time with the Seattle Seahawks. Now that Canales has accepted this position, it is clear that he is fully committed to developing quarterback Bryce Young. With all of these pieces in place, it would be appropriate for Tepper to step back and allow the coaches to do their job. No more impatience, no more suggestions, no more involvement in personnel decisions. Instead, focus on growing the business of the Carolina Panthers and engaging with the community. Leave the football aspect to the football experts.

Currently, the fan base of the Carolina Panthers.

From 1995 to 2017, the Carolina Panthers were consistently average and ranked in the middle of the pack. Throughout their existence, they typically finished with a record close to .500. During this period, the team had a total record of 183-184-1.

Since 2018, the Panthers have a record of 31 wins and 68 losses.

The team’s performance in the NFL went from average to insignificant. As the number of victories decreased, so did the number of fans attending games.

The Panthers’ fan community has been labeled as impatient by the media. This label is mostly true, but it has become more prominent since the ownership of Tepper. Despite this, the negativity on social media and decrease in stadium attendance have not made the Panthers job appealing, and the fans have contributed to this. However, the fan base deserves to support a team that consistently competes.

Although the head coach job in Charlotte may currently be surrounded by negative energy, this does not have to be a permanent situation. Tepper should exhibit patience and work towards repairing his connection with the loyal fanbase of the Panthers. In turn, Panther Nation should be open to receiving this effort and continue to support the team, as the atmosphere at 800 Mint Street can greatly affect their success on the field.

The success of Canales’ role determines the future of the franchise.

Source: wralsportsfan.com