The Panthers are the first NFL team to enter the 2022–23 head coaching carousel after firing Matt Rhule on Monday. While this is sometimes a dubious distinction for a team to have to dismiss its coach so early in the season, it’s also an advantage for the right people. Owner David Tepper could have a fall and winter akin to that of Jeffrey Lurie, the Eagles’s owner, a few years ago, when Lurie parted ways with Chip Kelly and used the remaining time in the season to poll players and learn what they’d like in a new coach.
The result was Doug Pederson, who led the franchise to its only Super Bowl victory. Or he could have a fall and winter like John Mara experienced a few years back, resulting in the hiring of Pat Shurmur (after Ben McAdoo was fired in-season). After a second attempt (after an in-season Joe Judge firing), he wound up with Brian Daboll.
Who are the Panthers going to hire? I’ve compiled a list of more than 60 qualified coaches here, plus some background information if you’d like to start your own campaign for a certain candidate.
