raleigh-panther

Thanks those teams are in the playoffs. To say they regressed or didn’t or the sun rose or set makes no difference, they are playoff teams

For Christ sake my post was in regards to saying’ they didn’t beat anybody ‘ they beat two teams in the playoffs Again, if you don’t want to like Wilks, then don’t, but take away from the fact that his team beat three very good teams, two in the playoffs and a third that would have been if the Panthers didnt beat them Just a reminder that ‘Detroit was the hottest team In the league’ and the overwhelming favorite when the panthers beat them you know the team that has the IC thaa as t mist want for HC

Panthers coaching search tracker: Eagles’ Steichen interviews, Patriots’ assistant passes BY MIKE KAYE [email protected] 2 hours ago The Carolina Panthers’ coaching search will pick up speed next week. Candidates currently employed by NFL teams are not allowed to have in-person interviews until Tuesday. So, once that deadline passes, the Panthers will be able interview a handful of candidates that they’ve asked permission to speak with about the head coach position. Here is the latest on the search, as of Saturday: Jerod Mayo, New England Patriots linebackers coach: The Panthers requested to speak with Mayo earlier this week. However, according to a league source, Mayo passed on the interview opportunity this weekend. The Patriots announced earlier in the week that the franchise was negotiating a contract extension with Mayo. Phil Perry of NBC Sports Boston was the first report Mayo’s pass on an interview. ▪ Shane Steichen, Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator: The Panthers interviewed Steichen virtually on Saturday, a league source confirmed. The Eagles have a first-round bye in the playoffs, so Steichen was eligible for a virtual interview this weekend. He will not be able to interview in person with any team until the Eagles are eliminated from the playoffs or get a bye week before the Super Bowl. ▪ DeMeco Ryans, San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator: The Panthers requested permission to interview Ryans earlier in the week. However, like with Mayo, that interview won’t take place. A league source said logistical reasons were a factor. The source also said there is a chance that both parties circle back for an interview later in the process. With the Ryans and Mayo interviews falling through, it’s important to note that the Panthers need to interview two external minority candidates in person before making an official offer as part of the league’s Rooney Rule. ▪ Frank Reich, former Indianapolis Colts head coach: Reich interviewed with the Panthers in person on Wednesday, a league source confirmed. Reich was eligible for an in-person interview because he was fired by the Colts during the season. Steve Wilks, interim head coach:Wilks interviewed with Panthers executives on Tuesday. Wilks went 6-6 during his 12-game stint as interim head coach after replacing Matt Rhule (11-27). ▪ Jim Caldwell, former Detroit Lions head coach: Caldwell interviewed with the Panthers on Monday. Caldwell has not coached in the NFL since 2019 and turns 68 next week. Caldwell’s interview meets the criteria for one of the two external minority candidate considerations in the Rooney Rule. ▪ Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator: The Panthers will interview the North Carolina and Reynolds High School (Asheville) graduate on Wednesday, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Johnson completed a virtual interview with the Colts on Friday. ▪ Ken Dorsey, Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator: The Panthers requested to interview Dorsey earlier in the week. Dorsey wasn’t eligible to interview virtually this week because his team had a wild-card round game. ▪ Kellen Moore, Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator: The Panthers requested to interview Moore earlier in the week. Moore wasn’t eligible to interview virtually this week because his team had a wild-card round game. Mike Kafka, New York Giants offensive coordinator: The Panthers requested to interview Kafka earlier in the week. Kafka wasn’t eligible to interview virtually this week because his team had a wild-card round game.

Seattle didn’t count ? Detroit didn’t count ? Tampa didn’t count ? I get you don’t like Wilks and that’s ok but give him his due. The previous coach had a $64 million contract and left a trail of poo miles long

To this day, why did they trade to the 49ers instead of the Rams a helluva lot of list draft position there one draft pick difference doesn’t equal that since that 2 looks like a high 3 and so on a very Panthers thing to do

Yep. Mine as well for the Oanthers to not insist on, and provide those things, is a formula for failure no more buddies…I want competency

My feeling…never draft a QB who fails in big games and whose floor is close to his ceiling The bigger the game, the more he shrinks What’s the saying “when people show you who they are believe them…the first time’ IMHO this guy screams Blaine Gabbert to me.

Yep if something happens to ole Dave, and frankly and with no malice intended, he doesn’t strike me from observation as a healthy person, then Nicole in all likelihood, owns the team just as well she be involved. God knows she can’t do as poorly as Drummond, Hurney and her husband.

There really is no telling so much more to being a HC vs X’s and O’s. The guys like Andy Reid are. Few and far between

If they are going to move away from Steve, move away last thing needed here is buddy Ryan and Mike dikta situation not saying Wilks would not do that but players might if they want defense go Demeco i love Wilks but some things in the Tampa game really bothered me…a game they had everything to gain and nothing to lose

Wasn’t it meatballs… lol

To be real honest, I don’t think either team tried to win that game ..if you know what I’m saying the Saints were just better at it, I mean when is the last time that kicker missed like that …more than once …at home

That’s why a risk assessment is important if the failures on unexpected in the first year, that’s one thing. Example, your star QB is hit with 22 lawsuits for sexual misconduct if the failures are because of historical preponderance of the same issues, address it beforehand and adjust vs do nothing Example. You have a free agent qb with an injury history and you don’t have a backup Example. New HCs struggle. History tells why. Fix it before it happens

Truthfully. I trust her more than her husband she actually seems to give a poo about the players

I’m not on anybody’s train i don’t care who is hired i care the right, penetrating questions are asked and answered along with a risk assessment and probability assessment done I care whoever is hired is surrounded with people who help the franchise succeed that’s it

IMHO Inexperienced offensive HC must have a very experienced DC and also needs an assistant head coach as a mentor for HC duties and or to take over play calling being a HC is a tough business….I don’t want another year of the job wasted 3 years as this hire figures out what to do like Rhule and Rivera

Think it’s a pretty good synopsis of each of these candidates. …some aren’t household names I think it’s pretty clear from the candidates that it’s going to be very hard for Wilks, he’d have to have one helluva an offensive plan and personnel adjustment

Panthers coaching search: Pros and cons of potential candidates, including Wilks, Harbaugh BY MIKE KAYE [email protected] 6 hours ago The Carolina Panthers are on the hunt for a permanent head coach. Owner David Tepper and GM Scott Fitterer will embark on what is expected to be a strategic coaching search. With several notable up-and-comers on the coaching carousel radar — and some well-documented retread options available as well — the Panthers will likely target a specific grouping of candidates. In order to cut through the clutter, The Charlotte Observer decided to create a pros and cons list for 12 potential candidates who could be in the running to replace Matt Rhule in 2023 Steve Wilks Current position: Carolina Panthers interim head coach Interview: Tuesday Pros: Wilks went 6-6 during his 12 games as interim head coach. His predecessor, Rhule, went 5-11 and 5-12 in his two full seasons as head coach. Wilks was able to best Rhule’s output with a worse roster — without Christian McCaffrey and Robbie Anderson for all but one game — and a coaching staff that he didn’t hire. Impressed by his candor and coaching style, those in Carolina’s locker room have consistently backed Wilks’ candidacy publicly and privately. Other members of the organization also are rooting for his return. After going 3-13 during his lone season with the Arizona Cardinals in 2018, Wilks has proven he is a worthwhile head coaching candidate. Cons: Wilks’ dozen-game sample size is still hard to evaluate. There’s a history of interim coaches surging through their temporary tenures and then bombing when they earn the keys to the car. Unfortunately for Wilks, he has to battle the reputation of being an interim head coach. In recent years, retained interims have had limited success — with Doug Marrone’s stint in Jacksonville and Jason Garrett’s tenure in Dallas being two shining examples of retention since 2010. Wilks is also a defensive-minded coach, so he will need a very strong offensive coordinator option list, which is easier written than done, to appease Tepper. He also needs to explain some of the questionable game-management moments he had in the final two weeks of the campaign. Jim Harbaugh Current position: University of Michigan head coach Pros: On paper, Harbaugh checks off a ton of boxes in the modern NFL. He is a former NFL quarterback who played 15 seasons in the league. He’s also a sound offensive mind and a proven developer of the quarterback position. His success at both the college (132-52) and NFL (44-19-1) levels is unparalleled within the current scope of the coaching carousel and his four-year stint in San Francisco led to three NFC title game appearances and a run to a Super Bowl, which the 49ers lost by 3 points. He never had a losing season with the 49ers. Cons: While his resume and win totals are pretty, the end of his tenure in San Francisco was ugly. Harbaugh reportedly lost a power struggle with the 49ers’ front office and ownership and was let go after an 8-8 season. Despite his accomplishments, he was passed over for the Minnesota Vikings’ head coaching gig last year for Kevin O’Connell, who had never been a head coach before. Harbaugh is known for wanting overarching control wherever he’s gone, which is an outlook that the Panthers just dealt with during Rhule’s failed tenure. Hiring Harbaugh could cause a massive shakeup of the front office structure as well. He’s also gained a reputation of leveraging NFL interest for bigger contract extensions at Michigan, which could lead to a waste of time in the Panthers’ search. Jim Caldwell Notable positions: Former Detroit Lions and Indianapolis Colts head coach Interview: Monday Pros: Caldwell has had two separate head-coaching stints, both of which were fairly successful compared to his successor’s tenures. Caldwell, in seven seasons as a head coach, only had two losing seasons, and he led the Colts to a Super Bowl matchup in his first season with Indianapolis in 2009. Caldwell is known for his work with quarterbacks, and he has a calm demeanor that has typically been praised by his players. Peyton Manning and Matthew Stafford both had a lot of success under Caldwell’s direction. The Lions went 9-7 in back-to-back seasons to end Caldwell’s Detroit tenure, and that win total has yet to be eclipsed in the five years since. Cons: Caldwell will turn 68 next week, and he hasn’t coached in the NFL since 2019. During his most recent stop, he left his post as assistant head coach with the Miami Dolphins due to health issues. While he wants to continue his career, NFL owners might be turned off by his age and concerns about his health. Along with the age and health issues, hiring Caldwell instead of retaining Wilks could come with controversy. The hiring of a 68-year-old head coach would be viewed as a short-term move, which would seem to be counterproductive to creating a culture in Carolina. Frank Reich Notable position: Former Colts head coach Pros: Reich is seen as one of the better offensive minds in the NFL. The Colts ranked in the top 10 in scoring in three of his first four seasons in Indianapolis. The unit also ranked in the top of the league in yardage during three of those four seasons as well. While Reich had a turnstile at quarterback during his tenure, his offenses — until this past season — functioned at a relatively high level. He is also known for giving his defensive coordinator full autonomy over their unit, as he isn’t a micromanager. Charlotte is home for the Reich family and the former NFL quarterback has ties to the organization and the community. Reich played for the Panthers in 1995, so he is aware of the early history of the franchise. Reich won a Super Bowl ring with the Philadelphia Eagles as the team’s offensive coordinator. He is credited with guiding Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles — in relief of then-starter Carson Wentz — on one of the most prolific postseason runs in NFL history. The Panthers scheduled an interview with Reich on Monday, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Cons: While Reich has a reputation of being an excellent play-caller and schemer, his run in Indianapolis wasn’t particularly glamorous. There’s plenty of blame to go around for Reich’s failures with the Colts, but it is worth noting that he never won an AFC South division title during his tenure. The division is known as the weakest grouping in the league, and Reich was still unable to dominate it to the point of winning the crown. Perhaps the lack of division success is a signal that Reich is better fit for a coordinator job than a head coaching position. A Wilks-Reich pairing could be appealing to Tepper. Dan Quinn Current position: Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Pros: Quinn is known as a strong defensive play-caller. He has done a very nice job in helping the Cowboys construct a top-10 scoring defense during the past two seasons. Quinn has a reputation of being approachable and considerate with his players, and his tenure as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons was impressive due to the consistency of the squad. While things didn’t end well in Atlanta, Quinn led his team to a Super Bowl matchup and his players always competed hard for him. Cons: Like Wilks, Quinn needs to deal with the stigma that comes with defensive-minded head coaches in the NFL. He will need to pitch an excellent offensive coordinator target to appease owners in interviews. Quinn will also need to explain what went wrong in Atlanta, and why his Falcons surrendered the biggest comeback in Super Bowl history. Quinn’s candidacy also takes a hit because of Wilks’ presence. If the Panthers are going to go with a defensive mind, why not go with the guy who is already here and familiar with the locker room? Quinn’s arrival would shake up the defensive system, along with rearranging the coaching staff. DeMeco Ryans Current position: San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Pros: There might not be a better first-timer option on the market than Ryans. A former NFL linebacker who played a decade in the league, Ryans has the ability to relate to players in a way that most candidates can’t just based on perspective. His high-energy approach on the sideline and his excellent play-calling have made the 49ers’ defense a juggernaut attack during the past two years. Only 38, Ryans has plenty of room to grow into a head-coaching role. He’s relatable and sharp, and he has been known for his leadership since he was a player. One could argue that he was an upgrade over the guy he replaced — New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh — in San Francisco. Cons: Ryans has only been in the coaching profession since 2017. With no background as a head coach, it’s fair to wonder what he’d want from an offensive play-calling standpoint. If he wanted to raid Kyle Shanahan’s staff for a potential coordinator, he might find slim pickings — as Saleh and Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel have taken some of his options over the past two years. Shanahan has also promoted from within after losing his assistants to his former coordinators. Like with Quinn, Ryans could be a hard sell given Wilks’ footprint. Bringing in a less experienced defensive mind after what Wilks accomplished as the interim head coach could rub some players and fans the wrong way. Ben Johnson Current position: Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Pros: Johnson has quickly made a name for himself in Detroit as a first-year play-caller. Only 36, Johnson has already turned the Lions’ offense into one of the best in the league. The unit ranked fifth in scoring and fourth in yards this season. Johnson has also helped revitalize Jared Goff’s career after a two-year slump. Johnson is a Charleston, South Carolina, native who went to high school in Asheville. Like Wilks, he is a local draw, and his background within the Carolinas could be a huge selling point to Panthers fans. Johnson has the makings of a potential Sean McVay-like head coach, and he should get plenty of interviews — if not job offers — this cycle. The Panthers requested to interview Johnson on Monday, according to Pelissero. Cons: Johnson just became a coordinator this season. And while his one season on the job has been spectacular, it’s a relatively small sample size for a standout. Johnson has plenty of position coaching experience with quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends, but his overarching background leaves his philosophy on defense uncertain. Would Johnson be willing to be paired with a former head coach as defensive coordinator? Would he be able to handle play-calling, something he’s still relatively new to, with the responsibilities of being a head coach? There’s a massive risk/reward balance with Johnson, and that might scare off some owners — namely Tepper, who just failed with a hyped head coach who was expected to revolutionize football in the Carolinas. Shane Steichen Current position: Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Pros: Steichen is the hottest offensive-minded candidate on the first-timers list. Steichen took over play-calling from Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni in the middle of the 2021 season, and the offense skyrocketed. Steichen helped develop Los Angeles Chargers QB Justin Herbert during his 2020 rookie season, which led to praise in NFL circles. His work with Jalen Hurts over the past two years has shown his ability to adapt to different signal-callers’ strengths and weaknesses. Steichen is seen as a brilliant offensive schemer, and his ability to set up big plays in the passing game has been evident throughout this season in Philadelphia. The Panthers requested permission to speak with Steichen on Monday, a league source confirmed to The Observer. Cons: Steichen is only in his second full season as a play-caller. While he has been an offensive coordinator in Los Angeles and Philadelphia during the past three years, he didn’t inherit play-calling duties in Philadelphia until the middle of last season. At 37, the former UNLV quarterback is still young and is coming from a very young staff with the Eagles. While everyone is looking for the next McVay, young coordinators can sometimes be miscast as head coaches. There’s always a risk that a hotshot coordinator is a better fit for the play-calling job instead of the CEO position. Kellen Moore Current position: Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Pros: Moore has done an excellent job in furthering the development of his former teammate, Dak Prescott, in the Cowboys’ offense. Even when Prescott has been sidelined with injury, Moore was able to craft game plans that have put backup Cooper Rush in situations to succeed. Moore is clever with his play-calling and play design, and that has allowed Dallas to maintain a high-scoring attack, no matter who is under center. Moore was an NFL backup quarterback for six seasons before immediately becoming the Cowboys’ quarterbacks coach in 2018. He is known for his creativity and understanding of the quarterback position. If a team is dead set on drafting a rookie quarterback to be its franchise flag-bearer, there are few candidates — on paper — that are more equipped than Moore. Cons: Moore, 34, has been with the Cowboys during his entire coaching career, working under Garrett and Mike McCarthy over the past five years. While longevity with one organization is important, owners could balk at the lack of situational diversity on Moore’s resume. There’s also a valid concern of whether or not Moore could land a viable defensive coordinator to pair with in his new digs. Like Steichen, the main concern with Moore will be his ability to juggle the responsibilities of the top job. If Moore wants to remain a play-caller, he has to be able to handle multiple tasks on top of that responsibility. That outlook proved to be a problem for Sirianni in Philadelphia. Brian Callahan Current position: Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Pros: Callahan, the son of former Raiders head coach Bill Callahan, has been the Bengals’ offensive coordinator for three years. While head coach Zac Taylor calls the plays, Callahan has earned praise in NFL circles for his scheming prowess. Callahan has also played a role in the development of Joe Burrow, who is quickly becoming one of the elite quarterbacks in the league. While the Bengals got off to a rough start under Taylor, Callahan has been part of the offense’s surge over the past two years. Unlike the other hotshot coordinators on this list, Callahan hasn’t been a play-caller, which could actually appeal to owners. Instead of forcing his way into that role, Callahan could simply serve as a CEO, overseeing the entire project. Some owners prefer their head coach to be overseers over play-callers. Cons: Since Callahan isn’t a play-caller, it’s hard to gauge how much credit he deserves for the Bengals’ success on offense. The same could be said about Burrow’s success. Callahan comes from a coaching family, which is a nice perk, but he’s never really had that notable of a name until now. And while some owners dig the CEO type, others could prefer play-calling expertise. Callahan, 38, might need some more seasoning before getting the big job in the NFL. Mike Kafka Current position: New York Giants offensive coordinator Pros: Kafka has done a lot with a little in his first year as an NFL coordinator. The former NFL backup QB has made the most of Daniel Jones’ skill set and taken an underwhelming talent pool at the skill positions and made the Giants’ offense work. Kafka comes from the Andy Reid coaching tree, and that background has helped him revive Jones’ previously ailing career. The Giants have been able to make a run to the playoffs, at least partially, because Kafka hasn’t dropped the ball as a schemer or play-caller, despite his inexperience. Kafka is viewed around the league as a future head coach type, and he has helped Brian Daboll consistently craft excellent plans of attack in his first year at the helm. Cons: Kafka, 35, like most of the names on this list, is young and inexperienced as a coordinator. While his first season as a play-caller has gone swimmingly, he’s also paired with a notable offensive mind in Daboll, who oversees the entire product. Kafka has been able to hitch his wagon to Reid and Daboll, which is a lucky draw for a player-turned-offensive coach. So, there could be some concern about how much success is really attributed to him. Despite his brief, whirlwind NFL playing career, Kafka isn’t a household name or someone who has a particularly notable background. Ken Dorsey Current position: Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Pros: Dorsey has done a solid job of replacing Daboll in Buffalo. The Bills haven’t missed a beat offensively under Dorsey, and he deserves credit for his scheme and play-calling work. Like Kafka, Reich and Moore, Dorsey was an NFL backup quarterback in a previous life, and his expertise of the position has been his calling card since the start of his coaching career. Dorsey also has ties to Carolina. He started his coaching career as the Panthers’ quarterbacks coach in 2013. He spent five years working with Cam Newton, and helped guide the quarterback’s breakout success in the early parts of his career. Given that history, there are still plenty of people in the building who can vouch for Dorsey’s leadership and coaching ability. The Panthers requested permission on Monday to speak with Dorsey, according to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Cons: Like Kafka and Johnson, Dorsey, 41, is a first-year coordinator. While he is running the offense in Buffalo, it’s fair to wonder how much of the Bills’ continued success is simply from following Daboll’s blueprint. Dorsey also works with a top-five quarterback in Josh Allen, so it’s not like he’s trying to elevate a limited talent in his debut year as a play-caller. Tepper hasn’t been super quick to embrace the “glory days” of the franchise with his coaching decisions. If the owner is willing to pass on Wilks, Dorsey might not be much of a candidate either.

And to be honest, I kinda feel bad about that

I just read on the nfl network scrolling banner the Panthers are interviewing (not planning to..are interviewing ) ken Dorsey and ben Johnson hope Dorsey is bringing Allen with him

And he beat Seattle. And he beat Tampa the first time Tampa was injured for most of the season. Not know however I was fully on his court until he stuck his head in the sand twice at Tampa. Either you believe in the physicality of your team that you preach or you don’t your team had a chance to go somewhere instead of no where. You have to take those chances. You have to. That’s what winners do too with your staring two corners put, you don’t give Brady another chance to score. You go for it

Frank Reich is not the guy either I’m old. Old enough to remember him as a student at the University of Maryland he is neither innovative or passionate nice man good student but a pro football team requires more than that

Detroit and Seattle don’t have winning records ? One is in the playoffs and the other handed Rodgers his ass last night.

I like Coach. Stand up guy. Hard to not love him but his conservative nature works against him and whether that’s real or a perception is certainly up for debate that nature showed it’s head against Tampa mid rather he tried fir that foot ir yard then punt