CV NEWS FEED // The Carolina Panthers appointed an alumnus from Newman Center Guide-recommended Catholic school Benedictine College to serve as its interim head coach.
The Carolina Panthers announced on November 28 that Chris Tabor had been appointed the interim head coach after the organization fired Frank Reich when the team fell to a 1-10 record.
Tabor graduated from Benedictine College in 1992 and has since coached in the NFL for 16 years as a special teams coordinator. He has coached for the Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns and was hired two years ago by the Carolina Panthers.
Benedictine College is a Catholic, liberal-arts college, located in Atchison, Kansas, known for its dedication to forming students in a community devoted to faith and scholarship. It is recognized by the Newman Guide, a website that identifies authentic Catholic colleges and schools, as a top-Catholic college.
Tabor gave a shout-out to his alma-mater in an interview posted to the Carolina Panthers’ Youtube page announcing his appointment as interim head coach.
“[Benedictine is] a small school that had a lot of success. I played for a great legendary hall of fame coach, Larry Wilcox. He just retired a few years ago. I knew I wanted to get into coaching and that place allowed me. I had an opportunity to play and have some success,” said Tabor.
In prior visits to Benedictine, Tabor praised his faith and the college for playing key roles in his formation as an individual and as a coach.
“Benedictine College is a very special place,” said Tabor. “Regardless of where you are, regardless of what you’re working at, you were put on this earth by God. We’re all trying to get to a better place.”
Tabor shared that he has a strong devotion to the Blessed Mother and relies on his faith throughout the season and life, trusting that no matter what happens on or off the field, God will take care of him.
“If we don’t win, we know that we’re probably going to get let go. You’re nervous and you rely on your faith. The Good Lord will take care of you,” said Tabor. “I always say, ‘Everything’s going to work out because it has to.’ It has to because you know deep down that the Good Lord has put you in that spot for a reason. Don’t try to figure it out.”
Wilcox, who served as Benedictine’s head coach from 1979-2020 praised Tabor’s skill.
“Chris Tabor was one of the finest players I had the privilege of coaching,” Wilcox shared with Benedictine College.
As the college’s starting quarterback, Tabor led the team to a 19-5 record and helped the team win the Steamboat Bowl in 1991, the Heart of America Athletic Conference championship in 1992, and reached the Final Four of the NAIA National Championship.
Tabor cited his family as major inspirations for his career. In the interview, Tabor noted the effect that his father had on him growing up.
“I always wanted to be my dad, and that’s really what I strive to be. I hope he’s looking down from heaven right now smiling,” said Tabor.
Benedictine awarded Tabor its young alumni award in 2011. Tabor returned to Benedictine to receive the award, sharing with those gathered the significant impact the college had on his life.
Benedictine’s president Stephen Minnis shared that Tabor reflects the school’s values and mission to “Transform Culture in America” through the way that Tabor prioritizes his faith and family.
“I am so glad the NFL is introducing the world to the Chris Tabor we know and love,” Minnis said. “He’s a man committed to his faith and to his players. We had a special session with him a few months ago where he helped the whole leadership team of the college understand how to develop young people into leaders.”
