Eric Washington

[Mr. Scot]

This profile by Voth talks about DL Coach Eric Washington's personality, and his possible future (Panthers.com)

It's a good read.
 

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When Sean McDermott left Carolina to become Buffalo’s head coach last year, Ron Rivera had an easy fix – promote Steve Wilks to defensive coordinator.

With Wilks now a red-hot head coaching candidate, at least Rivera has another easy fix on-staff.

But there’s a possible snag this time around.

Defensive line coach Eric Washington, who's helped mold the Panthers’ front into one of the NFL’s best over the past six seasons, seems like a no-brainer solution. Yet if Wilks heads elsewhere, the sense around the league is Washington would follow to become Wilks’ defensive coordinator.

“I think the system that they have here, if they lose (Washington), I think that's huge,” defensive tackle Star Lotulelei said. “He and Sam (Mills III) do such a good job with the system and improving players. In my opinion, it'd be a big loss.”

 

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Which brings us to one of Washington’s coaching traits – speaking with volume. In the span of a practice, the former Naval Reserve officer often morphs from drill sergeant to stern teacher to loving parent. 

“He's all about his business. Regardless of what you think about him, he's going to do his job. If you like it or not, whatever,” Cox said. “He’s just a real thorough coach.” 

If Washington ends up leaving with Wilks as a package deal, Rivera could look to recently released coaches like Jack Del Rio or Chuck Pagano. Another possibility could be Panthers linebackers coach Al Holcomb. 

“I have concerns,” Rivera said, “but I also think we have some young guys in place. One thing that you always try to do and look at as a coach is who is the next guy. Who’s the next person? 

“I feel really good about the guys we have in place to replace Steve.”

Pagano may not be an option.  The Ravens want him back.

What strikes me here is that it sounds like if Wilks does indeed want to take Washington with him, the Panthers won't block him.

[TheSpecialJuan]

When Wilks leaves, Washington will replace him.

[Mr. Scot]

15 minutes ago, TheSpecialJuan said:

When Wilks leaves, Washington will replace him.

That's one possibility.

He could also follow him.

[ColumbusCounty]

I take it that if Wilks & Washington left, Al would be next up ... 

I kinda like Wilks but for the love of God stop playing the cbs 20 yards off and blitzing the best coverage linebacker in the game. 

Why couldnt we have this problem with Shula....why?why?why?

 

[t96]

I want Del Rio for DC.

[electro's horse]

25 minutes ago, Mr. Scot said:

That's one possibility.

He could also follow him.

why would he if given the option

knows the people, and this is obviously a good launching point for a head coaching career

[shulasmyhero]

3 minutes ago, ColumbusCounty said:

Why couldnt we have this problem with Shula....why?why?why?

 

Because he isn't any good.  If he were, we wouldn't want him gone.

[bigdog10]

I’d actually prefer Holcomb or Washington to be honest. Both of those guys have seen their units have to overcompensate for a weak secondary. Wilks had blinders on with respect to the secondary and I believe coached more aggressive thinking they could handle it. When in fact, they couldn’t. 

Holcomb or Washington would not put the secondary on an island and would put the responsibility of the entire defense back into the hands of our two strongest units (the linebackers and the dline)

[Mr. Scot]

7 minutes ago, electro's horse said:

why would he if given the option

knows the people, and this is obviously a good launching point for a head coaching career

Any number of reasons.  He could prefer to work under Wilks, or he may like the team or the area that Wilks winds up in better.

There's no real way to know so it's all speculation right now, but Voth seems to take the idea seriously.

[Wolfcop]

Whoever is our DC needs to improve our coverage next year. 

[FugAllY'all]

I like Rivera, I think he's extremely underrated and doesn't get the credit he deserves for the job he's done here. With that said, I think we should go out of the organization for a new DC. We're going into year 8 of the Cam/Rivera era, I think a fresh set of eyes could a huge boon to the coaching staff. Maybe even someone who's been a head coach. Rivera's best trait is also his biggest flaw: loyalty. With Gettleman gone we need someone to give honest unbiased assessments of the guys on roster. 

[Panfan35]

The best choice for dc is del rio the last time he left the panthers we had #1 defense in the league. Another thing if this happens sorry folks we will be drafting a safety or corner in the first round cause Shula thinks he has his weapons already on the team and ron just thinks we missed opportunity’s.

as much as I want a wr this is the best safety class in ten years just depends on what direction they wanna go either way we are in a prime spot in the draft if someone slips a little.

[FugAllY'all]

You know, I didn't even think of Del Rio. I remember now that Rivera mentioned him during one of this press conferences last week. Maybe the two have a relationship.

[Mr. Scot]

29 minutes ago, FugAllY'all said:

You know, I didn't even think of Del Rio. I remember now that Rivera mentioned him during one of this press conferences last week. Maybe the two have a relationship.

They may know each other, but they've never worked together,