On Thursday, defensive coordinator Mike Trgovac turned down the 2 years extension offered to him to remain as coach on John Fox's dwindling staff.

Trgovac informed Fox and general manager Marty Hurney of his decision at Senior Bowl practice in Mobile, Alabama.

We had offered Trgo a contract and he informed us (Wednesday) night that he was going to pursue other options, General Manager Marty Hurney said.

Trgovac, who had just finished his seventh season with the team, could not be reached. While no reason has been given for his decision, there is speculation that Trgovac may be considering an offer from another NFL team.

It's unclear how Fox will replace Trgovac, and whether that decision might make Peppers reconsider his decision to want out. The Panthers finalized one replacement Thursday, hiring former Cleveland Browns quarterbacks coach Rip Scherer.

Fox has lost five assistants since the Panthers' upset playoff loss to Arizona on January 10.

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