The 1997 Carolina Panthers season was the franchise's 3rd season in the National Football League and the 3rd under head coach Dom Capers. They failed to improve upon their 12âÂÂ4 record in 1996, and make it to the playoffs for the second time in franchise history and finished 7âÂÂ9. The Panthers appeared on Monday Night Football for the first time in franchise history. After the season, Toi Cook, who had been with the team since 1996, retired.