Panthers To Fire Coach Capers

The Carolina Panthers plan to fire coach Dom Capers at the end of the season, The Charlotte Observer reported Thursday.

The newspaper, citing sources it did not identify, said owner Jerry Richardson will make the move after the Dec. 27 game against Indianapolis.

Richardson and Capers declined comment Wednesday night through team spokesman Charlie Dayton.

Capers had little to say about his status during his Wednesday news conference, a major change from earlier this season when he said he was confident his job was secure.

"That's not for me to say," Capers said. "How can I comment on that?"

He said he was focusing on getting the Panthers ready for Sunday's game against St. Louis.

The firing would mark a dramatic two-year fall for Capers, who was the NFL's coach of the year in 1996 after leading the Panthers to a 13-5 record and the NFC Championship game.

After going 7-9 last year, Carolina is 2-12, tied with Cincinnati for the league's worst record.

Capers' imminent firing will require the Panthers to pay off the balance of his long-term contract. The length and financial terms haven't been disclosed.

© 1998 SportsLine USA, Inc. All rights reserved