Danny Crossman, the special team coach of the Carolina Panthers have been fired after the ranked near to bottom of the NFL in several key categories.

On Thursday he was let go. General Manager Marty Hurney and coach John Fox continues the offseason evaluations.

The ranking of the Carolina Panthers are 31st out of 32 teams in kickoff return average, 30th in kickoff coverage and 29th in punt return coverage.

Danny Crossman was there with the Carolina Panthers since 2003. Initially he not special teams coach. He got promoted to this post in 2005.

Marty Hurney says to the media that was “an extremely hard decision and we wish Danny the best.”

This move of the Panthers came as John Fox prepares to coach the team next season. Next season is the final year of his contract. He has been denied of an extension by Jerry Richardson, the owner of the team.

Tags: carolina panthers, coach, danny crossman, jerry richardson, john fox, marty hurney, nfl