It is anticipated that former Panthers coaches would interview for coordinator positions.
As the NFL offseason unfolds, coaching vacancies and changes are a frequent subject of discussion, with franchises looking to refine their rosters and staff in pursuit of improvement for the upcoming season. In recent years, one of the most anticipated storylines for the Carolina Panthers has been the movement of coaches both within the organization and to other teams. It’s not uncommon for former Panthers coaches, given their experience and connections within the league, to be considered for high-profile coordinator roles with other franchises. As the Panthers’ organization continues its restructuring efforts, several former members of the coaching staff are expected to be interviewed for coordinator positions across the NFL.
The news of potential interviews has sparked conversation and speculation across the league, particularly as teams look to improve their offensive and defensive schemes to remain competitive. It’s not just the typical ex-head coaches who are in demand, but also the assistants, coordinators, and position coaches who have earned recognition for their contributions in Carolina. Given that the Panthers have undergone significant coaching changes in recent seasons, the movement of their former staff members could be a telling indication of the depth of talent within the franchise’s coaching ranks.
In this article, we will explore the anticipated movement of former Panthers coaches, particularly those who are in line for interviews for coordinator positions. We will examine the reasons behind their potential success in these new roles, the impact of their tenure with the Panthers, and how their interviews may reflect both the changing landscape within Carolina and the NFL at large. Moreover, we will look at the broader trend of coaches transitioning from assistant roles to more prominent positions and the potential ripple effects of such changes.
Panthers’ Coaching Landscape: Changes and Departures
The Carolina Panthers have seen significant coaching turnover over the past few seasons, with changes occurring not just at the head coaching level but throughout the ranks. In 2024, the Panthers hired Frank Reich as head coach, signaling a new direction for the team’s culture, philosophy, and organizational goals. Reich’s appointment was part of a larger effort to build a more cohesive and competitive team, but it also meant that several key members of the coaching staff were either let go or reassigned within the organization.
Historically, the Panthers have had a mixed track record when it comes to coaching stability. At times, the team has enjoyed success under veteran coaching staffs, including during the tenures of Ron Rivera and Mike Shula. However, recent seasons have seen growing pains, particularly as the team navigated quarterback uncertainty, injuries, and struggles on both sides of the ball. For many members of the Panthers’ coaching staff, their tenure was marked by high expectations and, in some cases, disappointing results.
While the Panthers’ front office has focused on stabilizing the franchise through their selection of Reich and the addition of key coordinators and assistants, the success of former Panthers coaches in potential interviews with other teams highlights the wealth of experience and expertise they bring to the table. From offensive coordinators to defensive assistants, former Panthers staff members are viewed as valuable assets to teams looking to bring in fresh perspectives.
Former Panthers Coaches Who Could Be Interviewed for Coordinator Positions
Given the nature of the NFL and its tendency to prioritize experienced coaches, several former Panthers assistants, who were part of previous coaching regimes, are expected to be in the running for coordinator roles with other teams. Here, we’ll focus on a few key individuals who are most likely to be interviewed based on their recent work and their history with the Panthers organization.
- Ben McAdoo (Former Panthers Offensive Coordinator)
Ben McAdoo’s stint as the Panthers’ offensive coordinator in 2022 and 2023 was a short but impactful one. McAdoo is best known for his time as the head coach of the New York Giants, where he guided the team to the playoffs in his first season before being dismissed in 2017. Although McAdoo’s tenure in Carolina did not see the offensive explosion some fans had hoped for, he proved himself as a capable offensive mind with a wealth of NFL experience. Under McAdoo’s leadership, the Panthers saw some positive moments in terms of offensive balance and play design, but inconsistency at the quarterback position held them back.
Given McAdoo’s experience as a head coach and his offensive expertise, he is a strong candidate for a coordinator position with another team. His ability to build an offense around the strengths of his personnel is an attribute that would make him a good fit for organizations looking to inject new life into their offense. While McAdoo may not have been able to fully turn the Panthers’ offense around, his history with the Giants and ability to develop quarterbacks will make him an appealing option for teams in need of an offensive strategist.
- Steve Wilks (Former Panthers Interim Head Coach, Defensive Coordinator)
Steve Wilks’ time with the Panthers was a rollercoaster. He stepped in as the interim head coach during the 2022 season after Matt Rhule’s firing, and while he didn’t manage to secure the permanent head coaching role, Wilks left a lasting impact on the defense. Before taking over as head coach, Wilks served as the Panthers’ defensive coordinator, where he helped improve the team’s defense in multiple areas, particularly in stopping the run and improving pressure on the quarterback.
Wilks’ ability to lead a defense while managing the complexities of a head coaching role in the NFL makes him an excellent candidate for a defensive coordinator position elsewhere. His experience with defensive units, his strong communication skills, and his leadership under challenging circumstances have made him a respected figure around the league. Given his history of coaching successful defensive units, Wilks will likely be a candidate for defensive coordinator roles with several teams, and his name has already been floated for interviews in the upcoming coaching cycle.
- Jim Caldwell (Former Panthers Offensive Consultant)
Though Jim Caldwell was not directly a coordinator with the Panthers, his experience and influence on the organization cannot be overlooked. Caldwell, who had previous head coaching stints with the Indianapolis Colts and Detroit Lions, was brought in as an offensive consultant by the Panthers in 2024 to help with offensive strategy and quarterback development. Caldwell is known for his calm demeanor, exceptional leadership skills, and experience in cultivating efficient offenses.
While Caldwell has not been in a coordinator position with the Panthers, his tenure in the NFL as both a head coach and offensive coordinator with the Colts, Lions, and Ravens makes him a sought-after candidate for such roles. His ability to elevate offenses and work with young quarterbacks could be a major asset to a team looking for a steady hand in their offensive planning and execution.
- Phil Snow (Former Panthers Defensive Coordinator)
Phil Snow was with the Panthers from 2020 to 2023 as the defensive coordinator and is well-known for his time working with Matt Rhule. Snow was instrumental in helping build a defense that was aggressive and opportunistic, despite facing a lack of resources on that side of the ball. His defensive units in Carolina made strides, particularly in terms of player development and getting the most out of relatively unheralded talents.
Snow’s ability to develop young players and implement aggressive schemes, such as his heavy use of zone coverage and pressure packages, has garnered attention around the league. While the Panthers’ defense wasn’t always elite during Snow’s tenure, the potential for Snow to revamp a defense for another organization is high. Expect Snow to be a popular interviewee as teams seek experienced defensive minds to help establish more formidable defenses.
Why Are Former Panthers Coaches in High Demand?
The anticipated demand for former Panthers coaches comes from several factors. First, the NFL is a league in constant search of fresh ideas and experienced leadership. Many of the coaches who have come through the Panthers’ ranks have worked under varying systems and seen success with multiple teams, making them highly valuable assets. These coaches have been in positions to develop and grow young talent, design complex systems, and manage the ups and downs of a rebuilding franchise.
Another reason these coaches are sought after is that the Panthers’ most recent coaching staff has gained recognition for its adaptability and resilience. With coaching changes happening throughout the league and a heightened focus on rebuilding and developing young players, coaches from franchises that are in transition are often seen as prime candidates to lead teams through similar processes elsewhere.
The Broader Trend of Coaches Moving Up the Ranks
The process of assistant coaches being interviewed and promoted to coordinator positions is not exclusive to former Panthers staff. Across the NFL, there has been an increasing trend of coaches who have previously served in assistant roles moving into coordinator spots. This phenomenon reflects the growing emphasis on building coaching staffs from the ground up, rather than relying solely on head coaches to do all the heavy lifting in terms of strategy and management.
In a league that increasingly values continuity and the development of young talent, coordinators with experience in building systems and fostering relationships with players are becoming hot commodities. Teams that are looking to implement long-term strategies tend to prioritize hiring coaches who have a deep understanding of player development, offensive and defensive schematics, and the ability to handle a leadership role with authority.
