Trgovac Speaks Out

http://blogs.charlotte.com/panthers/...esh-start.html

Trgovac says he simply wanted a "fresh start"
Mike Trgovac said this afternoon that he loved working for John Fox and the Carolina Panthers, but that the time had come for a change.

"There was no one determining factor," he told The Observer of his decision to turn down the team's offer to remain as defensive corodinator. "I had been there seven years. In coaching, that's a lifetime. I just thought it was best that I did it at this time. I just wanted a fresh start. When I put all my thoughts together and all the situation together, it came down to that."

Trgovac addressed media reports that four Panthers defensive assistants, including himself, were upset with the team for offering contract extensions late.

"What this whole thing looks like is not really what it is with everybody on the defensive side of the ball going to other places," said Trgovac. "I don't speak for other people, but I know in my case ... this had nothing to do with contracts or anything else.

"I felt it was best for John and best for me."

Asked why he thought his leaving was best for Fox, Trgovac said: "I just felt it was best for him to get a fresh start as well."

Trgovac, who served as defensive coordinator the past six seasons, said he enjoyed his stay with the Panthers. His defenses ranked in the NFL's top 10 three times and the Panthers made three playoff appearances during his tenure.

"I was very fortunate to come to this organization," he said. "Mr. (Jerry) Richardson has built a fabulous place here. I wanted to depart this place as friends with everybody, and I think I've done that.

"I truly had seven good years with John (Fox) and I appreciate everything he and (general manager) Marty Hurney did for me."

Trgovac said his friendship with Fox remains strong. "I think he has a fondness for me, and I have a fondness for him."

Trgovac had planned to accept the Panthers' offer of a contract extension, but informed Fox Wednesday night in Mobile, Ala., where they were scouting prospects at the Senior Bowl, that he had changed his mind.

Trgovac said his unpopularity with some fans was not a factor in his decision.

"The fans are very important to any pro football team," said Trgovac. "It had nothing to do with the pressure from the fans.

"When you take a job as a defensive coordinator in a high profile job, you're always going to have your critics. ... That had absoultely nothing to do with it. ... That's why this game is so great -- the fans' love for it (and) the way the fans dive into it."

Trgovac confirmed that he has accepted a job with Green Bay to coach the Packers' defensive line. He'll work with former Panthers head coach Dom Capers, Green Bay's new defensive coordinator.

"I know Dom well, and I look forward to it," said Trgovac.

 

As much as NFOF's newest account annoys me, there might be some truth to that. Without Peppers, the defensive situation looks grim indeed, and you wouldn't want to be tied to that as a coordinator while looking for a new job.

 

I've never seen so many coaches from the same staff making lateral moves. Even McCoy will be taking a big backseat to McDaniels. It's definitely not something to be too optimistic about.

 

Yeah, with the current talent level, it's going to take a lot of money and drafts to just shore up the holes. Put yourself in Trgo's shoes: Losing Peppers and the prospect of serious holes on the D next year - get out now before it muddies your resume.

 

Mo better article:

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/38258714.html

 

Maybe he didnt hate Fox or the situation but he wasn't happy with it.

So, pretty much reinforces that he didn't get much control over the defense and no matter who comes in it's not going to change anything about the D.

That's not very positive.

We aren't going to see a 3-4, Thelt

 

But you could also read it as he was devoting too much time to the team being the DC and maybe line coach will lessen his hours a little. We may never know the real reasons because everyone is being politically correct, but time will tell.

 

Interesting stuff. Besides the whole issue of coaches wanting to leave, imagine having beat writers who could actually produce enlightening, professional articles.

 

I read "And I wanted to depart as friends and depart this organization on good terms" to mean if he stayed it would not happen.