CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- The Carolina Panthers have fired special teams coach Danny Crossman after ranking near the bottom of the NFL in several key categories.
Crossman was let go Thursday as coach John Fox and general manager Marty Hurney continue offseason evaluations. The Panthers ranked 31st out of 32 teams in kickoff return average, 30th in kickoff coverage and 29th in punt return coverage.
Crossman had been with the Panthers since 2003 and was promoted to special teams coach in 2005.
Hurney says it was "an extremely hard decision and we wish Danny the best."
The moves comes as Fox prepares to coach next season in the final year of his contract after being denied an extension by owner Jerry Richardson.
