Earlier this week, the Carolina Panthers officially announced through Pro Football Talk that they had decided to part ways with Adrian Wilson, their vice president of player personnel, after only one year with the organization. However, further developments emerged on Tuesday shedding light on the reasons behind this abrupt decision.
On June 1, Wilson was arrested at his residence in Arizona on three counts related to domestic violence, as reported by Scottsdale police via The Athletic. The charges against him include assault, criminal damage, and disorderly conduct, all classified as misdemeanors.
A spokesperson for the Carolina Panthers issued a brief statement regarding Wilson’s departure, citing organizational policy on employee matters and confirming that he would not be continuing in his role as Vice President of Player Personnel.
This development comes amidst recent internal restructuring within the Panthers’ personnel department. Just a month prior to Wilson’s dismissal, Cole Spencer, who had been with the team since 2021, was promoted from college scouting director to director of player personnel.
Adrian Wilson‘s tenure with the Panthers began in February 2023, where he assumed the role of vice president of player personnel. Before joining Carolina, Wilson had a tenure with the Arizona Cardinals, serving as their director of pro scouting for two years followed by an additional two years as vice president of pro scouting. His involvement with the Cardinals extended further when he temporarily filled the role of interim co-general manager in 2022 following Steve Keim’s departure.
Wilson, 44, enjoyed a distinguished NFL career as a safety from 2001 to 2012, spending all twelve seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. His accomplishments on the field included five Pro Bowl selections and an All-Pro nod in 2009. He played a pivotal role in the Cardinals’ journey to Super Bowl XLIII in 2008, marking the franchise’s first appearance in the championship game. Recognizing his contributions, the Cardinals inducted Wilson into their Ring of Honor in 2015.
Adrian Wilson’s dismissal adds to a list of notable departures during David Tepper’s ownership of the Panthers, which began in 2018. Tepper’s tenure has been marked by significant coaching changes, including the mid-season firing of three head coaches, most recently Frank Reich last year amid a struggling season that saw the team record just one win in eleven games.
Under Tepper’s ownership, the Panthers have struggled on the field, amassing a record of 31 wins against 68 losses and failing to secure a playoff berth. With recent appointments like Dan Morgan as president of football operations/general manager and Dave Canales as head coach, Tepper aims to revitalize the team’s performance and usher in a new era of success for Panthers football.
