John Fox Out As Panthers Head Coach: Browns, 49ers Could Be Next Destination

The era of John Fox as the Carolina Panthers' head coach came to an end today, as it was announced Fox would not return next season.

There had been speculation that Fox would be out of a job at the end of the season, with the management of the Carolina Panthers looking to go in a different direction.

However, that doesn't mean Fox won't be coaching next season. In fact, there is a good chance that Fox lands a head coaching job with all the possible openings this off season.

ESPN.com's own John Clayton believes the most likely destination seems to be with the Cleveland Browns. Fox has a good relationship with Mike Holmgren, who could fire Eric Mangini as early as Monday.

Cleveland's top target, Jon Gruden, is rumored with the job but is expected to go elsewhere—preferably the Dolphins' job if it opens.

Fox is a veteran coach who has won when ownership is willing to spend money on the product on the field.

The Browns have many young pieces on both sides of the ball. Colt McCoy seems to be the answer at quarterback for the Browns in the future, and Peyton Hillis could be the future at running back.

Joe Haden and T.J Ward lead the young defense that shut down opposing quarterbacks such as Tom Brady and Drew Brees.

If there is no match with Cleveland, the San Francisco 49ers could be another destination. There will be a new quarterback in 2011 with Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis as the main weapons.

The young pieces on the defensive side, led by Patrick Willis, could also be too good for Fox to pass over.

There is bound to be an unknown team that could show interest in Fox in the next couple of weeks.

So on the last day of 2010, another head coaching position is officially open in the Carolina Panthers, with plenty of other firings to come within the next week.

I am an NFL Featured Columnist for BleacherReport.com.

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