ESPN’s David Newton went fishing on Thursday afternoon, but Brian Burns wasn’t biting.
On Monday, the Carolina Panthers fired their second head coach in as many seasons—parting ways with Frank Reich after just an 11-game stint. Following this afternoon’s practice, Newton asked the two-time Pro Bowl pass rusher if the team’s instability at the position is impacting his desire to stay with the organization.
Here’s the “answer” he got from Burns, who is still without a long-term extension:
Panthers LB Brian Burns gave me a friendly ‘’nice try’’ pat on the arm when I asked if the firing of a head coach for the second straight year impacted him wanting to be with this organization long term. He later said ‘’I believe in this team.’’ pic.twitter.com/LeEdYILOvF
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) November 30, 2023
Burns was selected by Carolina in the first round of the 2019 draft. Since then, he’s experienced five more head coaches than he has winning seasons. (He’s had five head coaches.)
The 25-year-old outside linebacker has now played under Reich, Matt Rhule and Ron Rivera as well as interim coaches Steve Wilks and, now, Chris Tabor.
He did, however, give his thoughts on Reich.
“I hate to see him go,” he said in the locker room. “Me and Coach Frank had a good relationship.”
Burns is currently on the final year of his rookie contract.
