Report: Panthers now in compliance with mandated inclusive hiring training

The Carolina Panthers can now proceed.

Last night, CBS Sports lead NFL insider Jonathan Jones reported that the organization received a call from a league executive on Wednesday regarding a possible violation in their search for a new head coach. The subject of the hangup was Nicole Tepper, Chief Administrative Officer of Tepper Sports & Entertainment and wife of team owner David Tepper.

Per the NFL’s practices for inclusive hiring training, Tepper did not fulfill the requirements necessary to be a part of the franchise’s search committee. A Panthers spokesman was quoted as saying Tepper did participate in training prior to the five interviews that have already taken place, but did not specify to what degree.

Well, less than two days later, the Panthers are now all clear.

According to ESPN’s David Newton, the team is in compliance with the mandated inclusive hiring training.

The Panthers are now considered by the league in compliance with the mandated inclusive hiring training, per source. A report surfaced Friday saying the wife of team owner David Tepper had not completed training.

— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) January 20, 2023

Carolina has already spoken to Steve Wilks, Frank Reich, Jim Caldwell, Shane Steichen and Ejiro Evero about their vacancy. They are also planning to hold interviews with Sean Payton, Ken Dorsey and Mike Kafka in the near future.