Coaching Succession

[Peppers90 NC]

I think it depends on why Fox wouldnt be back. If the year is poo, they may start from scratch. If we made an offer to keep Fox, but he turns down for another job, we may promote from within. Just from the eye test, I say Davidson appears to be the most viable for a head coach position. I honestly wouldn't feel too comfortable with any of our inside options though.

[BF91]

Richardson has always wanted to model our franchise after the Steelers. If Fox leaves after this year, we'll bring in a young DC that most of us haven't really heard of.

[The Don]

Richardson has always wanted to model our franchise after the Steelers. If Fox leaves after this year, we'll bring in a young DC that most of us haven't really heard of.

DING DING DING!!!! Tell him what he's won!!!!

Haha, you're absolutely correct. JR has spent the past ten or so years modeling his team after the Rooney family's Steelers. I don't expect him to jump off the wagon now. But I honestly don't think JR hires anyone else... because if JR really believes in what the Steeler nation does and how they operate, he'll resign John Fox and will continue with the youth movement until Fox gets him to the big dance again. The reason I say this is because the Steelers stuck with Bill Cowher for years, and because of that stability, they were able to win their first Super Bowl in years under Cowher. I still think Fox is our best chance at getting to the big dance again. It's just gonna take some time.

[Carl Spackler]

I've heard Davidson is a white horse candidate for the job.

[Mr. Scot]

Other suggestions are welcome, of course.

Me? I was a big Mike Zimmer fan last year (still am) but I'm really intigued at the thought of Brian Baker as a head coach. People will say "he's never been a coordinator" but neither was Andy Reid. Not all coaches are Xs and Os guys. A lot of head coaches are primarily motivators. And if you have any question as to whether Baker can do that, watch him during a practice.

I know Davidson has his fans, but the Panthers have never even interviewed an offensive coach so I just don't see it. Right now, I'd probably prefer an in-house option myself, and that means either Meeks or Baker. For the moment, at least, I'd lean toward Baker.

[Jackofalltrades]

My choice would be Davidson, I'd like an offensive coach for a change, especially given the way the league is moving right now.

I also think Davidson is smart enough to keep a strong D on the field and I would love to keep Meeks in his current role for a few more seasons.

I really like Baker and thunk he's got a good job with what he's had to work with, but I'd like to see him work through the next step, rather than taking the Jim Zorn route.

[Baschski]

I'm just not sold on Baker. The guy yells a lot, that doesn't mean much, that's just his style of coaching. We still have yet to see whether or not he's a great D-line coach (this season will go a long way towards determining that), let alone someone with head coaching ability. If Fox doesn't come back next season, I honestly doubt Baker would be the first choice inside the organization for the job.

[pantherclaw]

A coach not currently on the team. Haven't seen anything from davidson or meeks that makes me think they could be the man.

[pantherpain]

who ever is the polar opposite of John FOX .

[ladypanther]

I think the "Panther way" has been redefined. Who knows what's in JR's new heart. Not sure predictions based on past behavior will work now. It will be interesting.

[Mr. Scot]

My choice would be Davidson, I'd like an offensive coach for a change, especially given the way the league is moving right now.

I also think Davidson is smart enough to keep a strong D on the field and I would love to keep Meeks in his current role for a few more seasons.

I really like Baker and thunk he's got a good job with what he's had to work with, but I'd like to see him work through the next step, rather than taking the Jim Zorn route.

I prefer to think of it as the Andy Reid route

(now here's where I'll really tick some people off)

If the choices came down to Brian Baker or Bill Cowher, I'd throw my vote to Baker. Wouldn't even be a question for me.

[Vagrant]

We need a hard nosed coached that loves to run the football and believes in defense as more than a way to get the ball back. We need John Fox with a more accountable approach. I think the best guy for the job is Bill Cowher, honestly. I'm tired of seeing players make mistakes and come back to the sideline without having a word said to them. We need somebody to shake these guys up and hold them accountable instead of clapping at them nonsensically when they screw up or do well. It makes no sense.

[KatsAzz]

John Fox should be extended. I will take consistency and the potential to be a good team every year over a new guy that surprises everyone with one good season. Every team knows John Fox and his style of football, yet he still has a winning record. The team needed to be restructured in the way that they are doing now for there to be a real chance every year.

Fox has been close a few times and in the meantime other teams have been through a few coaches and still looking to be even as consistent as him.

You should only replace a head coach when you are guaranteed an upgrade. Bill Cowher is not a guaranteed upgrade and besides, is it a sure thing he would even come here? Who says Mr. Richardson's patience is running thin with John Fox? I believe the ONLY reason why John Fox has not yet been extended is because of the uncertainty of 2011. Why pay John Fox to do little? Once a future season is guaranteed, John Fox will be extended.

[pantherclaw]

Yeah, cause I'm sure there is no accountability going on at all!

I never want to see our head coach clapping again! Want a head coach that is a fuging ass!

After all, you only get the best out of people by being assholes to them!