Panthers owner defends Fox, Hurney, promises active offseason

(AP) - Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson says he never considered firing coach John Fox and general manager Marty Hurney.

And Richardson says he's convinced the two can put the struggling franchise back in the playoffs.

In a rare meeting with reporters on Wednesday, Richardson confirmed the two men will return next season. But he suggested the team will make many personnel moves after consecutive non-winning seasons.

Richardson hadn't spoken publicly about the team since August, even as the Panthers struggled to a 7-9 season.