David Tepper, the owner of the Carolina Panthers, is known for his competitive nature and his desire to bring a winning team to the Carolinas. He is willing to do whatever it takes to produce winning football, constantly pushing himself and the team to achieve their goals.
Tepper’s philosophy as an owner is different from others in the league. While some owners prefer to stay away and not get heavily involved in the day-to-day operations of the team, Tepper believes in being hands-on and engaged. He wants to be in the know and have a direct impact on the team’s decisions.
Frank Reich, the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, who had to deal with Jim Irsay’s involvement last year, has experienced firsthand the contrasting personalities of owners. He describes Tepper as a super competitive person who is always challenging and pushing the team to be better.
Although Tepper’s involvement may not always be enjoyable, Reich acknowledges that it has made him and the team better. Tepper’s constant push for success and his willingness to turn over every stone in search of winning strategies have created a challenging but ultimately rewarding experience.
However, there is a stark contrast between Tepper’s involvement and that of other successful owners in the league. Owners like Robert Kraft of the New England Patriots understand the importance of trusting the football people to make the right decisions. Kraft found someone he trusted in Bill Belichick and gave him the keys to the team, focusing on the business side of things while Belichick handled the football operations.
Tepper, on the other hand, wants to be more hands-on and involved in the decision-making process. As a self-made billionaire from the hedge fund industry, he carries the belief that his success in business can be translated to success in the NFL. However, the reality is that running a football team requires a different set of skills and knowledge.
Reich points out that Tepper’s desire to be involved in every aspect of the team’s operations, including player selection, hasn’t yielded the desired results. Since Tepper took over the Panthers, the team’s record has been underwhelming, with a win-loss record of 29-53. It’s clear that success in the business world doesn’t guarantee success in the NFL.
One example of Tepper’s involvement is the decision to draft Bryce Young, a small quarterback, instead of CJ Stroud, who has shown more promise so far. Tepper’s preference for Young and Reich’s preference for Stroud highlight the challenges of having an owner heavily involved in player selection.
While it’s still early in the careers of both quarterbacks, Stroud has shown more potential and success on the field. His performances have been impressive, and he has led his team to close victories, even if the defense couldn’t hold on in the end.
The discussion also touches on the trend of owners getting involved in football decisions and the importance of letting football people run the show. Owners like Kraft and the late Art Rooney II of the Pittsburgh Steelers have understood the value of hiring trusted football minds and giving them the autonomy to make decisions.
Ultimately, the lesson for owners like Tepper is to resist the temptation to micromanage and trust the experts who know the game best. Being a fan, enjoying the game from the suite, and leaving the football decisions to those with the necessary expertise is often the best path to success.
Moving forward, it will be interesting to see if Tepper adjusts his approach and allows the football people to take charge. The success of teams like the Patriots and the Steelers serves as a reminder that letting the experts do their job is the key to sustained success in the NFL.