Panthers hire Fox as new head coach

(Charlotte-AP) -- The Carolina Panthers are in the hands of their third head coach in eight seasons. <br><br>New York Giants defensive coordinator John Fox officially took on the task today of trying to

Friday, January 25th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Charlotte-AP) -- The Carolina Panthers are in the hands of their third head coach in eight seasons.

New York Giants defensive coordinator John Fox officially took on the task today of trying to reverse the fortunes of a team that set an N-F-L record with 15 consecutive losses after an opening-day victory.

Fox, who becomes a head coach for the first time at any level, has a four-year deal worth about one (m) million dollars a year.

At a news conference, Fox told reporters that he intends to put together a staff that would rejuvenate the team. He said he plans to take the advice of former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Chuck Noll and focus on building an offense that could run the ball and a defense that could stop it.

Fox has spent 23 years coaching football, and was the Giants' defensive coordinator for the last five seasons.