Capers quickly made a name for himself in the NFL, and in 1992 he was hired as the head coach of the expansion Carolina Panthers. In just their second season, Capers led the Panthers to a 7-9 record, which was considered a major accomplishment for a new team. In 1996, he was named the NFL Coach of the Year after leading the Panthers to a 12-4 record and a trip to the NFC Championship Game.
After leaving the Panthers in 1998, Capers spent a year as the defensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars before being hired as the head coach of the Houston Texans, another expansion team. Capers spent four seasons with the Texans, but was unable to replicate the success he had with the Panthers. He was fired after the 2005 season, finishing with a record of 18-46.
Despite his struggles in Houston, Capers remained a highly respected defensive coach in the NFL. He spent the next several years as a defensive coordinator for several teams, including the Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, and Green Bay Packers. In 2009, he was hired as the defensive coordinator for the Packers, and helped lead the team to a Super Bowl victory in 2010.
Capers retired from coaching in 2018, but his impact on the NFL will be felt for years to come. He was known for his innovative defensive schemes and his ability to get the most out of his players. He was also a mentor to many young coaches, and his influence can be seen in the coaching styles of many of today's top NFL coaches.
Overall, Dom Capers had a long and successful career in football, both as a coach and as a player. He was a respected leader and innovator in the sport, and his contributions to the game will not be forgotten.
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