Head Coaching Options Not Far

Should John Fox decide to pack his bag and head for greener pastures, the Panthers will not have to look far for his replacement. In fact, they may only need to look as far as their own film room. There are currently three coaches on the Panthers payroll that could fill in for John Fox, and possibly improve upon what he has accomplished.

Jeff Davidson

Currently the Panthers Offensive Coordinator, Davidson has managed to put together the best rushing attack in Panthers history. Hindered by the play of Jake Delhomme this season, the play calling evolved into the most conservative in the NFL. His greatest accomplishment may have been keeping the Panthers somewhat competitive with such a one dimensional starting offense. Once Matt Moore took over and showed competence at the position, Panthers fans witnessed a balanced attack and a vertical passing game. Should Davidson be selected as head coach, it is likely GM Marty Hurney would insist on keeping Ron Meeks as defensive coordinator. With Davidson, there would not be a Panthers rebuilding, but a change in philosophy and hopefully an end to the “play not to lose” era. Davidson could fill his now vacant Offensive Coordinator position with Offensive Line Coach Dave Magazu, another standout due for a promotion.

Ron Meeks

Ron Meeks, a student of Tony Dungy, took the defense from former Coordinator Mike Trgovac and transformed it into a hungry ball hawking powerhouse. You would be hard pressed to find anyone in the Panthers nation that has not been impressed with the turnaround. With success like that, one has to wonder what type of positive changed Meeks would bring as a Head Coach? Presumably Meeks would also be required to keep Jeff Davidson, putting the team in a similar change in philosophy, not a complete overhaul. In his now vacant Defensive Coordinator position, Meeks could possibly fill from within. He has a talented pool of position coaches to choose from, like Mike Gilhamer, whose secondary helped the Panthers rank #4 overall against the pass.

Jim Skipper

Not as familiar to the casual fan, Jim Skipper could also be a contender for the Head Coaching position. Skipper is listed not only as the Running Back  Coach, but also Assistant Head Coach. Skipper is held in very high regard within the front office and in the locker room. As Running Backs Coach, Skipper has developed the leagues best tandem, breaking the single season rushing record for a running back duo. Skipper has head coaching experience on a professional level in XFL, and joined the Panthers in 2002. In this instance, both coordinators could remain in place.

Any of these three men could step into a Head Coach position seamlessly and continue to win next season. Jerry Richardson is looking ahead to a possible players lockout in the 2011 season, and may decide now is the best time to give one of these men a chance, a one year tryout to prove his ability. Should the Panthers perform well the first half of the 2010 season, a contract extension could be offered.

This is an ideal situation Panthers fans, should John Fox decide to leave. Lets not rebuild, lets improve upon what has been built.