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Backfilling DL and LB coaches (and maybe OL coach)

Mr. Scot

By Mr. Scot,
in Carolina Panthers

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Mr. Scot Grand Master

Mr. Scot

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Off the top of my head, one guy I'd like us to look at if he's not retained in Arizona is  our old friend Brentson Buckner. He's been the Cardinals DL coach for the last few years. Not sure if Rivera knows him though.

At linebacker coach, Bobby Babich, son of Rivera's old colleague Bob Babich and someone who I believe worked here as an intern or something before, would be a safe bet.

Edit: Here's a bigger list

Some available options at all three spots...

DL COACH

Sam Mills III: players like Star Lotulelei have been very complimentary of his coaching, so don't assume it'd be just because of his dad

Bryan Cox: his son plays for us; he played for the Bears during Rivera's first year as a defensive quality control coach; Cox was a linebacker in his playing days but has only ever coached defensive line; having him coach his son might be awkward though

Brentson Buckner: Wilks might want to retain him; if he doesn't Buckner is certainly known by the organization but not Rivera; conceivable Hurney could recommend him to Ron as an option; I vaguely recall Buckner having some minor issue with the Panthers a few years back but I can't recall what it was | Edit: Was not retained by Wilks; expected to be a hot commodity

Robert Mathis: longtime Colts player became a coach last year; not much experience and no Rivera connection but could be worth a look

LB COACH

John Pagano: a very real possibility; he was Rivera's LB coach in San Diego and succeeded him as DC so he's also known to Norv Turner; Raiders just let him go

Mike Singletary: obvious Rivera connection;  was out of coaching last season; people would probably salivate at the idea of Samurai Mike coaching Luke Kuechly; Woodie mentioned that Rivera might have tried to bring him aboard a few years ago and I think he's right but I can't find anything on it

Bobby Babich: Scott Turner part two; his dad Bob is an old colleague of Rivera from his Chicago coaching days and, also like Turner's son, he's been on staff here before; already Bobby worked as a defensive assistant during Rivera's first two seasons; was also on staff with Norv Turner in Cleveland

Michael Barrow: recently let go by Seattle, had been coaching Bobby Wagner, Panthers connection but no Rivera connection

Bob Sanders: longtime LB coach who has also coached DL and been a DC; likely only known to Rivera as a coaching opponent when he was with the Packers but worked with Norv Turner in Miami

OL COACH

Russ Grimm: my favorite choice and considered by many to be the best OL coach in the NFL, has never worked with Rivera but was Norv's Turner's OL coach in Washington; what works most against him is the Matsko factor; but I'll be honest, I'd fire Matsko for Grimm without a second thought | Edit: According to Titans reporter Paul Kuharsky, Grimm is expected to retire.

Hal Hunter: coached the Chargers line when Rivera, Turner and Wilks were in San Diego; more recently did his best to coach the continuously revolving lineup in Indianapolis; has also coached for the Tarheels

Mike Tice: another recent Raiders castoff; would likely only be known to Rivera as an opponent when he was with the Vikes; coached for the Bears for a few years but not until after Rivera was already gone but they may know some of the same people

Harold Goodwin: former Cardinals OC was the assistant OL coach in Chicago while Ron was the DC

Marc Colombo:  played for the Bears while Rivera was the defensive coordinator; currently assistant OL coach in Dallas | Edit: Said to be interviewing for the job of Cowboys TE Coach

 

Note: It's unknown if we're really gonna be looking for another full time OL coach or just somebody to assist John Matsko (whose "Run game Coordinator" title really just means he's a glorified line coach).  Some of the candidates listed here could conceivably fill that role but guys like Grimm and Tice would not be options if that's the case.

 

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Mr. Scot Grand Master

Mr. Scot

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Just now, Woodie said:

Didn't Rivera try to get him when he first got the job, but he chose the Vikings instead?  

I vaguely remember something like that.

His last job was as an assistant with the Rams on Jeff Fisher's staff. He didn't coach in the NFL last year, or anywhere as near as I can find.

Singletary coaching Luke...yikes.

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top dawg Grand Master

top dawg

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3 minutes ago, Mr. Scot said:

I vaguely remember something like that.

His last job was as an assistant with the Rams on Jeff Fisher's staff. He didn't coach in the NFL last year, or anywhere as near as I can find.

Singletary coaching Luke...yikes.

That's a damned good idea.  I wonder if Singletary is the type that would jump at the chance,  or is tired of the grind, or is simply just prideful.  

If anyone can talk him into it, it's got to be Rivera.  

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Mr. Scot Grand Master

Mr. Scot

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Just now, Wolfcop said:

Yeah, Star was saying that losing Washington or Mills would be a huge loss. 

I know sentiment has no place in these things, but having Mills III rise in the ranks would be a good feeling.

Can't help feeling that Buckner would be the better choice, but as far as I know Buckner has never worked with Rivera.

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