A day after a report surfaced that Panthers owner David Tepper is "mulling major changes," the team has fired two assistant coaches on the defensive side.
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According to a team release, the Panthers relieved defensive line coach Brady Hoke and assistant secondary/cornerbacks coach Jeff Imamura of their duties.
“In my judgment, I felt this was best for the team moving forward,” head coach Ron Rivera said. “These are always difficult decisions, and I thank Brady and Jeff for their hard work."
After a promising 6-2 start, the Panthers have lost four straight, including a 24-17 loss in Tampa on Sunday. While there's plenty of blame to go around — quarterback Cam Newton threw four interceptions Sunday — the team's once-sturdy defense has looked very beatable. Carolina gave up 52 points in a loss to the Steelers last month, and the team yielded almost 400 total yards in a loss to Seattle last week.
As for the reshuffling of the defensive coaching staff, Rivera will take play-calling duties. Eric Washington will supervise the defensive front seven and Sam Mills III will coach the defensive line. Rivera will assist Richard Rodgers in working with the secondary.
When asked about Tepper's alleged comments regarding possible "major changes," Rivera said that's a matter for Tepper to address.
"As far as I'm concerned, unless Mr. Tepper puts his name on it, I think that everybody needs to just calm down and let what's really being said or let the truth come out," Rivera said Sunday. "If anybody has a question, I think that they should ask Mr. Tepper. But I don't think it's fair to sit there and say 'sources say.'"
The Panthers (8-8) have a 16 percent chance of making the playoffs, according to the FiveThirtyEight.com playoff calculator, but it won't be easy. Two of their final four games are against the offensive powerhouse Saints.
Carolina plays at Cleveland next Sunday.