After a disappointing 7-10 season, the Carolina Panthers have intensified their search for a new head coach. The Panthers parted ways with Matt Rhule after a dismal 1-4 start to this season. Interim HC Steve Wilks only managed a 6-6 record. And they are already holding interviews. However, the owners look unprepared.

According to CBS Insider Jonathan Jones, the NFL has found David Tepper’s organization in violation of the league’s hiring policies. Tepper’s wife, Nicole Tepper, was directly responsible for the interviewing delay after she failed to comply with a major league rule.

Nicole Tepper didn’t take the appropriate inclusivity training

Nicole is the Chief Administrative Officer of Tepper Sports and Entertainment. And she violated NFL terms when she was part of the franchise’s HC search committee without completing her mandatory inclusive hiring training.

“Disorganized and Unserious Franchise”: After Being Accused of Violating League Rules, Carolina Panthers Find Themselves Under Hot Waters by NFL World

The NFL clarified the rules in a public statement to CBS. “The inclusive hiring training is a key element of our efforts to foster an equitable hiring process. Any suggestion that this mandatory requirement was not met by applicable clubs will be addressed and corrected immediately,” said Chief Diversity & Inclusivity Officer and NFL Executive, Jonathan Beane.

Trending

Despite Trading Zach Wilson, Sean Payton Rumored to “Throw Away” Broncos’ 2024 to Secure Shedeur Sanders as Russell Wilson’s Replacement

April 23, 2024 05:14 AM EDT

Despite Congratulating Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill Admits ‘Running Away’ to Escape Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl Win

April 22, 2024 04:01 AM EDT

“[Joe] Burrow Should Concentrate on Being Healthy”: NFL Analyst Warns Bengals QB Against Trash-Talking Patrick Mahomes & Chiefs

April 22, 2024 09:58 PM EDT

“Caitlin Clark Should Be…”: Antonio Brown Makes a Shocking Confession After Continuously Insulting WNBA Sensation

April 22, 2024 09:11 PM EDT

As Caitlin Clark Made SNL Debut, ‘Scarred’ Patrick Mahomes Ditched the Show Due to ESPYs’ Bad Experience

April 23, 2024 03:54 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NFL stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

However, according to ESPN’s reports, Nicole has now successfully completed her training. And the Panthers have the green light after complying with the league-mandated rules about hiring.

The Carolina Panthers don’t want to repeat any past mistakes

The NFL cannot handle the matter in a lukewarm manner after the Brian Flores lawsuit last year about diversity in hiring. The former Miami Dolphins HC filed the suit against the discriminatory practices of the NFL in the hiring of black coaches. This stemmed from a NY Giants HC hunting controversy.

Flores claimed that the Giants only conducted an interview with him to satisfy the Rooney Rule. However, New York had already made their minds up to go with current HC Brian Daboll. Panthers Interim HC Steve Wilks is also one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit.

WATCH THIS STORY: Baker Mayfield is done with the Panthers in 5 months, but why?

Besides Wilks, the other likely candidates for the job are ex-Colts HC Frank Reich, former Lions HC Jim Caldwell, and Giants OC Mike Kafka. David Tepper has been in touch with Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh. And Sean Payton has also reportedly entered the mix. And the Panthers selection team has to complete a challenging task before the next season. They are one of 5 teams in the NFL currently looking for an HC.