Sources: Carolina Panthers grant coach John Fox chance to opt out of 2010

There's a reason Panthers coach John Fox continues to be connected to head coach openings.

Last month, the Panthers took the highly unusual step of giving Fox the right to void the last year on his contract, according to two NFL sources.

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Of course, the only way Fox would do it were if he had a job and contract waiting that made it worth leaving Carolina.

Washington didn't provide it, Cleveland never opened, Buffalo still is searching for a new head coach and Fox appears unwilling to go there, and Seattle is destined to hire Pete Carroll.

Should another attractive opening fail to materialize this offseason, Fox could wait a year, coach out his contract, and become a free agent next year.

Some people around the league have suggested that, in time, with the support Fox enjoys in New York, he could be a potential successor for Giants coach Tom Coughlin.

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