Panthers special teams coordinator takes leave of absence

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) The Carolina Panthers have announced special teams coordinator Bruce DeHaven has taken a leave of absence to deal with health concerns.

It's unclear when the 66-year-old DeHaven will return, and the Panthers did not release any additional information on the health concerns. Russ Purnell, who has spent 26 years coaching in the NFL, will assume DeHaven's duties.

DeHaven, who has been an NFL coach 28 years, joined the Panthers in 2013 as a special teams assistant before being promoted to coordinator in February. Panthers coach Ron Rivera says in a release ''our thoughts are with Bruce and his family, and we wish him a quick recovery.''

Purnell has won Super Bowls with Indianapolis (2006) and Baltimore (2000). He most recently coached with the Omaha Nighthawks of the UFL in 2012.

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