Possible Panthers offensive coordinator candidates revealed

The Panthers are on the hunt for a new offensive coordinator. With first-time NFL offensive coordinator not working out with head coach Matt Rhule, ESPN’s Adam Schefter revealed experience will be key in Carolina’s search.

“Carolina is expected to target former NFL head coaches Jay Gruden and Bill O’Brien in its search for a new offensive coordinator, per league sources,” tweeted Schefter. “Carolina also expected to be interested in talking with Rams’ OC Kevin O’Connell.”

Throughout the season, questions have surrounded Rhule and his ability as a coach in the NFL. Evidently, the franchise believes a coach with experience as a head coach in the league can help him grow. Gruden was the leader of the Washington Football Team, while O’Brien spent multiple years as the head coach of the Houston Texans.

Moreover, O’Connell was a sought-after offensive coordinator candidate after he was let-go by Washington due to Gruden’s firing. Sean McVay may be the big cheese when it comes to the Rams offense, but O’Connell has helped get the most out of quarterback Matt Stafford in 2021.

After starting the season with three straight wins, the Panthers have gone through a terrible stretch. With their final game of the season coming against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the 5-11 Panthers will attempt to end their season with a shocking upset.

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When the Panthers hired Matt Rhule, they expected him to come in and plant the seed for success. His reputation as a program builder proceeded him — his stops at Baylor and Temple proved it. However, it hasn’t been smooth sailing for the former college coach.

Since his arrival in Carolina, Rhule is a measly 10-22. Additionally, the Panthers have looked apathetic over the 2022 season. Still, the coach is expected to get a third crack at fixing the Panthers.

“The Carolina Panthers are planning to keep head coach Matt Rhule for the 2022 NFL season, and he will begin a thorough search for an offensive coordinator next week, sources told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler on Saturday,” wrote ESPN’s David Newton.

In addition to finding an offensive coordinator, Rhule will need to find the Panthers a quarterback. Evidently, Teddy Bridgewater, Sam Darnold and Cam Newton haven’t got the job done over his first two seasons with the franchise.

Time will tell who Rhule brings in to fix his offense. However, the move could be what determines the future of his Carolina Panthers – and NFL – career.