Link to Charlotte Observer Story Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson said Friday morning he was enthusiastic about the start of a new season - until Thursday night.
"I made the mistake last night of watching the Green Bay Packers, who are coming here in one week," Richardson joked, referencing the defending Super Bowl champions' impressive 42-34 victory over New Orleans.
"Ron (Rivera) is a good coach but I wish him well."On changing directions with the franchise: "We had a plan for the Carolina Panthers that started in January, 2008. It was driving me crazy. We could not have back-to-back winning seasons. I couldn't take it anymore.
"We agreed we would try to be the best we could in 2008 and 2009. I said to (general manager) Marty (Hurney) and (former coach) John Fox we're not going to keep doing this over and over what we've been doing. We're going to change and we're going to go with younger players. . . .
"Unfortunately in my judgment, the young players didn't get better and we made a coaching change. Out of all the coaches we've hired, I think Ron Rivera is perfect for the Carolina Panthers."
On what it was like to work in a room with fellow owners Al Davis, Jerry Jones and Daniel Snyder: "That would be like going to a zoo. You see all the specimens."
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It appears the Panthers owner wants to imitate Ted Thompson's younger player philosophy. He also has sympathy for his coach this week.