(Potential) Top 2026 HC Candidates

[Carolina Cajun]

I'll tell you, hes not on the list, but #1 for me is Kevin Stefanski.  Theres a lot of smoke around him being on the hot seat in Cleveland, if he is gone, hes a damn good coach and someone that would provide stability and on top of that IMO is a very good coach who got a dogshit situation with the browns.  Oh and yea, he has dealt with dogshit management, so prlly something we need.  

 

If thats the case, could see us go and try to get Mac Jones or some poo in free agency.  I think with what hes done this year, wouldnt be surprised to see someone looking at him thinking he could be next offseasons Daniel Jones or Sam Darnold.

[mrcompletely11]

I've said it before and I'll say it again. I would make a run at Tomlin 

[The Lobo]

2 hours ago, mrcompletely11 said:

Flores or Salah would work

Flores would be awesome 

[mrcompletely11]

8 minutes ago, The Lobo said:

Flores would be awesome 

With McDaniel oc

[csx]

2 hours ago, Carolina Cajun said:

I'll tell you, hes not on the list, but #1 for me is Kevin Stefanski.  Theres a lot of smoke around him being on the hot seat in Cleveland, if he is gone, hes a damn good coach and someone that would provide stability and on top of that IMO is a very good coach who got a dogshit situation with the browns.  Oh and yea, he has dealt with dogshit management, so prlly something we need.  

 

If thats the case, could see us go and try to get Mac Jones or some poo in free agency.  I think with what hes done this year, wouldnt be surprised to see someone looking at him thinking he could be next offseasons Daniel Jones or Sam Darnold.

Jones is under contract next year

[Shocker]

I would welcome McCarthy - at least he has coached successfully in this league.  We need a whole new coaching staff and he should know some people.

Morgan needs to go to IMO

Edited October 4, 2025 by Shocker

[45catfan]

I wanted McCarthy the first time he was available and was told by the Huddle "No more retreads" then we got Matt Rhule. 

FYI, of the 6 finalist, Rhule was my #6, so....

[Aussie Tank]

17 hours ago, NAS said:

Give me Flores or Salah, this team needs an identity change 

Salah with Mike McDaniel as OC with Mac Jones as our bridge QB so Salah can use all the draft capital to build his defense 

[SurvivalSloth]

I think Canales gets a 3rd year after making a change at DC. 

[Mike2.0]

13 minutes ago, SurvivalSloth said:

I think Canales gets a 3rd year after making a change at DC. 

I can see Canales getting a 3rd year if we better our win count from last season. If it’s worse then that’s probably it for him here unless they are going to give him first crack at developing a new quarterback.

[Carolina Cajun]

16 hours ago, csx said:

Jones is under contract next year

still dont be surprised...I could see them doing like a 3rd/4th and bryce for mac jones.  SF will move him for picks if he gains value with play this year.  I mean, Shanahan is a QB developer, in fact guys from under him and McVay tend to thrive after having some time under him.

Other options I could see them kicking tires on would be Trey Lance and Carson Wentz.  Honestly, if Wentz were 2-3 years younger, I think he'd 100% be the target, might still be honestly.  Stefanski runs a QB friendly offense and works well with his QB, and for as much grief as Wentz gets, his last full season starting he put up what would be the panthers 8th most passing yards in a season, 4th most touchdowns, and only 7 INTs would be the lowest amt of INTs by a panthers QB who started more than 6 games in a season.  Thats CRAZY to me.  I mean, its a huge sign of just how bad the panthers are and have been, but he would absolutely be an improvement over what we have, but honestly end of the day if we bring in Stefanski, go with who he wants.

[Newbie]

20 hours ago, Carolina Cajun said:

I'll tell you, hes not on the list, but #1 for me is Kevin Stefanski.  Theres a lot of smoke around him being on the hot seat in Cleveland, if he is gone, hes a damn good coach and someone that would provide stability and on top of that IMO is a very good coach who got a dogshit situation with the browns.  Oh and yea, he has dealt with dogshit management, so prlly something we need.  

 

If thats the case, could see us go and try to get Mac Jones or some poo in free agency.  I think with what hes done this year, wouldnt be surprised to see someone looking at him thinking he could be next offseasons Daniel Jones or Sam Darnold.

Tepper likes hiring Ivy League grads for his hedge fund now family office. Pretty sure Stefanski is an Ivy League guy so this might happen. 

[mc52beast]

You can delete anyone who has an ounce of self-respect. The only HC you will get here is someone who will bow down to King Pepper and Queen Nicole. 

[Gapanthersfan]

On 10/3/2025 at 8:15 AM, kungfoodude said:

TBH, I would lean more heavily to Jon Gruden for the specific reason that he would be the most likely to have the experience and track record to push back on ownership. 

To be clear, I don't think he would be super successful here but this franchise needs to start with someone that actually has an NFL track record of success and can show others in the organization what it looks like to prepare that way. 

If we can at least attempt to model ourselves after an NFL franchise even at all, that would be a valid starting point to any sort of turnaround.

And this is where I am at as well. This franchise needs structure and discipline, which will not happen with a young guy coach who is still trying to learn how to do his job.