Panthers' Burns lauds interim coach Tabor: Can tell he's about business

Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns praised interim head coach Chris Tabor ahead of Sunday's contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

"His personality has always been fun-loving, lighthearted," Burns said, according to David Newton of ESPN. "He always makes jokes, but you can always tell he's about business.

"He said there's two ways to have fun: You can have fun kicking somebody's behind or being on the other side of having somebody kick your behind."

Tabor will debut as interim head coach in Week 13. He was given the role after owner David Tepper fired Frank Reich just 11 games into his tenure.

Former head coach Matt Rhule brought Tabor in last season as special teams coordinator. The 52-year-old held the same role for the Chicago Bears from 2018-21 and for the Cleveland Browns from 2011-17.

Tabor will be the Panthers' third interim head coach since 2019, joining Steve Wilks and Perry Fewell. He said he's trying to convey a simple message to his players heading into Sunday's matchup.

"We're playing a kids' game played by grown men," Tabor said. "So let's have some fun while we're doing it."

He added: "Play loose, not reckless. Say, 'Hey, here's my chips. I'm all-in. Let's go.' And I think that can be comforting to players."

The Panthers hold an NFL-worst 1-10 record heading into Sunday's game.

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