Panthers Reacts Survey, Wild Card week: Does Tepper need a buffer?

On babysitters and misery

The worst ever season of Carolina Panthers football is now in the books. The team is in the market for new leadership at every level below the owner. With hirings due in the coming weeks for a new general manager and head coach (please, God, in that order), there is a legitimate question to be asked as to whether those should be the only hires on the leadership team.

Team owner David Tepper has been accused this season of meddling behind his head coach’s back and, quite credibly, of having an itchy trigger finger when it comes to firing an unsuccessful coach. We want to know if you, the fan, think there is room in the Panthers organization for a buffer executive that exists between Tepper and the GM/HC hires to allow the football people to do football stuff.

Call it what you will: a vice president of football operations under team president Kristi Coleman, a General Manager Emeritus (Hi, Marty!), an vice executive assistant to the owner, etc. The title is only relevant to the ego of the holder. The question is whether or not the front office’s organizational structure could use clarification and expansion.

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Carolina Panthers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.