Sean Payton is set to interview with the Carolina Panthers, regarding their head coaching vacancy. Sadly, though, a tragedy will cause that interview to be delayed.
Major League Soccer’s Charlotte FC announced on Thursday that defender Anton Walkes, 25, passed away in a boating accident in Florida. On Thursday night, Joe Person of The Athletic reported that Payton’s interview with the team is “on hold.”
“Panthers’ interview with Sean Payton is on hold, per source. David Tepper, his wife and other team officials returned to Charlotte from New York on Thursday after the death of Charlotte FC soccer player Anton Walkes in a boating accident,” Person said.
Panthers’ interview with Sean Payton is on hold, per source. David Tepper, his wife and other team officials returned to Charlotte from New York on Thursday after the death of Charlotte FC soccer player Anton Walkes in a boating accident.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) January 20, 2023
Anthony Rizzuti of Panthers wire added that “Carolina was set to interview Sean Payton for their head-coaching vacancy in Manhattan on Friday. Tepper, instead, will remain in Charlotte to provide support for grieving players.”
Tepper is the owner of both the Panthers and Charlotte FC. Clearly, as important as it is to hire the right coach and as big as landing Payton would be, it’s something that can be held in the aftermath of such a tragedy.
The Panthers have recently been identified as a possible destination for not only Payton, but also Tom Brady as part of a package deal with the coach and quarterback.
[Joe Person on Twitter, Panthers Wire]
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