Carolina Panthers coach Jim Rutherford says he hasn’t made any changes to his coaching staff at the professional level, but the Panthers owner, Stan Kroenke, has not ruled out a return to the coaching ranks.
In an interview with USA Today published Monday, Rutherford said he has been keeping busy and he is focused on the team’s future.
“I’ve been doing that for four years now,” he said.
“I’ve done a lot of interviews.
I’m not going to get distracted with football.
It’s not the right time.
It is what it is.
I’ve been focused on that.
It has not been my focus.”
Rutherford also said he had no interest at all in becoming a full-time coach at the highest level.
“No,” he told USA Today.
“The right time for me would be if I’m going to play for the team.
I just want to continue to be the best that I can be and do my best for the organization.
I have my whole life ahead of me and it’s time to focus on that.”
Kroenke said he will “not speculate” about a possible coaching change for the Panthers.
“That’s not for me to speculate on,” he responded.
“Jim, as we all know, has a great relationship with Coach Rutherford and I think that’s a big reason why we were able to come together this year.
I think it’s been good to have him and Jim together.
They are good people and they have a great rapport and I respect that.”
