Capers Is In - Finally

Dom Capers brought his defensive expertise to the Carolina Panthers, but he said stopping opponents won’t be his only target as he becomes the NFL expansion team’s first coach.

“It’s like going into a game,” Capers told a news conference formally introducing him as the head coach. “You do extensive planning, you do your homework, and then you have to react.

“I believe that a head coach has to have knowledge and control of all phases of the game. I assure you that I will know as much about what’s going on with the offense and the kicking game as I will with the defense.”

Capers, the defensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers, will have a relatively long time to get his hands on all facets of the Panthers, who begin play next September in the NFC West. He received a five-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

New York Jets assistant Steve Trimble was named to the defensive coaching staff of the New Orleans Saints by head coach Jim Mora.

The Chicago Bears hired Willie Peete as running backs coach. Peete has 35 years of coaching experience. His resume includes 12 seasons coaching in the NFL, most recently at Tampa Bay.