Panthers name Gaints' Fox new head coach

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Posted 12:37PM on Friday, January 25, 2002

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Carolina Panthers hired New York Giants defensive coordinator John Fox as their new coach on Friday, giving him a five-year deal worth about $1 million annually. Fox becomes a head coach for the first time, at any level. Fox, who first interviewed with the Panthers last week, emerged as the front-runner to replace George Seifert on Thursday, when he was brought back to Charlotte for a second interview. The Panthers went 1-15 last season, setting an NFL record for consecutive losses in a season. Their first choice was Steve Spurrier, but he chose to coach the Washington Redskins. Then, after interviewing Fox, they approached Tony Dungy, who picked the Indianapolis Colts. Fox met Thursday evening with team president Mark Richardson and stadium president Jon Richardson, then dined with owner Jerry Richardson. ``You know what I love about Fox? He really helped me understand the game so much more,'' Giants defensive end Michael Strahan said. ``The difference in my game before he got here and after was how much he taught me about playing the game at a faster speed and applying this knowledge to the field. ``He's a heck of a motivator and a straight shooter, the type of guy you'd cut off your arm for.'' Fox likely would have gotten a head coaching job last season but couldn't interview with anyone until the Giants were done playing. By the time New York lost to the Ravens in the Super Bowl, only the Buffalo job was still available and Fox did not get that. Fox has spent 23 years coaching football, and was the Giants' defensive coordinator for the last five seasons. Fox began his professional coaching career with the Los Angeles Express of the USFL in 1985. He had stints with the Pittsburgh Steelers (1989-91), San Diego Chargers (1992-93), Los Angeles Raiders (1994-95) and St. Louis Rams (1996), before joining the New York staff in 1997. He also coached at seven colleges.