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Barring an extreme shock, the Panthers won't be directly involved in the annual head coaching carousel this seasdon. Still, for those who like to keep up on this sort of thing for the future or just wanna get a line on who we could potentially lose, here's some info. Tom Pelissero does this every year for NFL.com, but the article I'm looking at today is from Sports Illustrated writer Conor Orr. The Top NFL Head Coaching Candidates Teams Will Consider for 2026 As with Pelissero's article (linked below) former Panthers OC Joe Brady is listed as a top candidate, as is another former Panthers OC (who had an arguably more contentious exit) Thomas Brown. He had issues here, but is doing much better these days working with Drake Maye up in Foxboro. Posted below are the Panthers relevant sections of the article. And lemme just add that while the first name mentioned here probably won't surprise you, the second one might. _______________________________ Ejiro Evero, defensive coordinator, Carolina Panthers Evero has been a bright spot on many underperforming teams, having unfortunately gotten his break as a play-calling coordinator with both the Broncos during the pre–Sean Payton era and the Panthers. Still, the reality of Carolina’s defensive turnaround has been stunning. Despite having one of the worst defenses in history last year, the Panthers did not spend a first-round pick on defense and Evero has led a unit that’s allowed 20 or fewer points four times and shut out the division-rival Falcons. I am sure Evero will one day become a head coach, as evidenced by the fact that he’s continued to receive interviews even during the darkest seasons. Perhaps Carolina’s turnaround, which currently has the Panthers tied with the Buccaneers atop the NFC South. Brad Idzik, offensive coordinator, Carolina PanthersEmpty heading Idzik, 34, the son of longtime respected NFL personnel man John Idzik Jr., is an analytical mind valued by Dave Canales not only for his data-driven approach to the game but the way he can develop talent and place talent into advantageous positions. The potentially playoff-bound Panthers have completed a stunning turnaround while simultaneously grooming a young core of players, from first-round talents all the way to undrafted free agents. _______________________________ I'll also throw in a couple of additional indirectly Panthers related mentions: Drew Terrell, pass-game coordinator/wide receivers coach, Arizona CardinalsEmpty heading Terrell left the Commanders in 2022 for Arizona with a promotion that includes coordination responsibilities. The Stanford receiver and special teams ace has been in the NFL coaching ranks since 2018, climbing the ladder from quality control coach with the Panthers to pass-game coordinator with the Cardinals. Frank Smith, offensive coordinator, Miami DolphinsEmpty heading Smith has been a mainstay on our list for the past few seasons, with his former head coach at Butler, Jeff Voris, telling me for a previous list that, “Interviewing him was one of the most unique experiences I ever had. When [Frank and I started together], we hadn’t won a game in two years, an 18-game losing streak. He became my right-hand man, and in four years, we were 11–1, won a championship and he was the offensive coordinator doing the whole thing. I became his assistant coach at some point.” As the totality of Miami’s roster-building struggles comes into full view, seeing Smith and head coach Mike McDaniel build a successful offense without much in the way of resources continues to be a strong case in Smith’s favor. He last interviewed for a head coaching job with the Panthers in 2024, when they hired Dave Canales. _______________________________ I only vaguely remember Terrell. I do recall Smith being a guy some folks really wanted to get our head coaching job before they went with Canales. It might be a down year for the Dolphins, but Smith is apparently still getting attention. Lastly, as mentioned above, here's the Pelissero version for those who want to review what it says. 2026 NFL head coach hiring cycle: 24 young candidates to know

You aren't having a debate. You literally haven't said anything other than in "your eyes" he isn't better. Then some rando gave you your second data point. I mean....how about this, have you watched any of his games this year?

Rico and Chubba and the OL Canales not trying to force BY

Was kinda expecting an answer like that. But here to offer a differing opinion? Interesting

Am i reading that right?

Like what Cam used to say, we need all 11 guys doing one thing instead of 11 guys doing 11 different things.

I think we have to hit that head on and show that Bryce can exploit it. If we don't and squeak by with some Rico runs we will run into the same problem down the road and get shut down. Not totally disagreeing with your assessment but we need to show adaptability. I'm not in favor of shielding Bryce. Let him sink or swim, I'm already convinced Canales is the guy for the time being.

Ready for the canes to get a 2C so stank can move back to his winger spot. Stank, while a fun story, is not a 2C.

Pass rush Pass rush Pass rush Bryce Bryce Wr making catches

fug Tepper carpet bagging SOB. Maybe when he puts grass back... nah fug him anyway.

to me it's the simple. The D needs to keep being there improving version. Run game has to be steady. And outside of that, you need others not to implode a boring way to go about winning. but it's a hard way to win and you need a lot go right

I'd love it. Let the coach scramble begin!

We need to score goals.

A lot of this stuff floating around out there. Seems like too much smoke for there not to be at least some fire behind it. I bet LSU is pretty nervous right now. LOL

It’s what happens when you take a small town and build I-85 thru the middle of it. They don’t know whether to grow or die. So they do a bit of both.

Can’t summarilze. Watch if you want about 10 mins with film first up is,young, then Rico, then brown, then Evero

This team rarely does the expected thing. It’s a literal coin flip as to what version of the 2025 Panthers takes the field Sunday. We’ll either win close, or get dog walked. That’s just the way this team operates.

Better yet, make ND pay every team they play to schedule a match.

This is interesting

Historically, it's not just Bryce that has been the problem in those New Orleans away games. Our defense shat the bed each time, too. Early career QBs always need a stout defense and he's not had much of one until the halfway mark in this season. If they can turn it on and give Bryce more opportunities while keeping Saints points off the board, then we can come away with the win we should be capable of achieving. That's a rookie QB that the Saints are putting out there (one with more tape than the last time we saw him), they've got some injuries and a very limited slate of things to play for. I hope we can play defense, lean on Rico and Chuba, get an efficient game from Bryce and build a more solid case for a playoff spot. In other words, play like the football team you're supposed to be.

Yes please. More of this. A LOT more of this.

Agree XL, who knows More and more he is a blocker and a decoy but Coker and the little fella seem to be developing a relationship The defense too, needs to be disciplined. That NO QB really likes to run. If,they can’t sack him, and stats show Panthers are number 31 in sacks, then stay in your gap…give him a couple of yards and hit him everythime he does it with more than one player Damned d line needs to get their hands up,as well you’d think playing a 3 and 10 team, would be an easy task but there are no easy games in the nfl.

Blake

the most predictable Panthers ending based off how this season has gone. -The Saints beat us. Tampa also loses tonight. Folks are really mad at Bryce and Dave but hey, still in this. -The Bucs beat us. Go a game up. Complete board meltdown. 100 cut Bryce and Dave threads -Panthers beat the Seahawks by 10. Bucs lose to the Phins. Now, Bryce and Dave deserve deals. Today. 200 threads on that. People are guessing about playoff destinations and BigKat rents a hotel room in every imaginable city. - Bucs beat us. Board melts down.

Bussi has arrived!