Associated Press
December 31, 2010
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- The Carolina Panthers have formally announced coach John Fox won't return next season, ending a nine-year run in which he led the franchise to its only Super Bowl.
His departure has been no secret, and Fox said after his final full practice Friday that he'd been preparing for it for two years.
Owner Jerry Richardson said in a statement that he told Fox that he appreciates everything he has done, but that "it is time for both sides to move in different directions." Fox will coach his final game Sunday at Atlanta.
Fox was first denied a contract extension after the 2008 season. He entered the last year of his contract this fall with the Panthers beginning a youth movement that's left them an NFL-worst 2-13.
Fox is 78-73 in nine seasons in Carolina.
