David Tepper confronted disgruntled restaurant staff on Thursday who still harbored resentment towards him, the owner of the Carolina Panthers, due to what they perceived as draft mistakes in recent years.
In the 2023 draft, the Panthers opted for quarterback Bryce Young as the first overall pick. However, Young struggled in his rookie season, registering a 59.8% completion rate, 2,877 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, resulting in a 73.7 passer rating. Additionally, he rushed 39 times for 253 yards but also had 11 fumbles. The team’s performance suffered, managing only two wins in the 16 games Young started.
Surveillance footage captured Tepper’s unexpected visit to a Charlotte restaurant after it displayed a sign urging him to let the coach and general manager make draft decisions. The Dilworth Neighborhood Grille altered its sign to read “PLEASE LET THE COACH & GM PICK THIS YEAR” ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Upon seeing the sign, Tepper visited the restaurant and inquired about the person responsible for it, although that individual was not present at the time. The restaurant manager reported that Tepper handled the situation amicably.
During the first round of the 2024 draft, Carolina traded up to select wide receiver Xavier Legette from South Carolina as the 32nd overall pick.
Tepper acquired the Panthers in 2018. However, the team has undergone significant changes, including having its third head coach in as many years and a new general manager.
Head coach Frank Reich was terminated in late November after just 11 games into his tenure, during which the Panthers had a league-worst 1-10 record. This marked the second consecutive year that Tepper dismissed a head coach mid-season.
In early January, general manager Scott Fitterer was also relieved of his duties.
Matt Rhule, who was dismissed as head coach in October 2022 following a 1-4 start, is now coaching at the University of Nebraska.
Tepper’s tendency to part ways with key personnel early in their tenure reportedly deterred some candidates from engaging in the search process last offseason. Reich’s dismissal after just 11 games marked the shortest head coaching tenure in the league since 1978.
