ESPN reveals biggest offseason priority for the Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers started off the season on fire, and similar to the Arizona Cardinals, look like a team destined to make their way into the playoffs. Unfortunately, the Panthers quickly fizzled out after their Week 3 win against the Houston Texans. Afterward, Carolina struggled to be competitive at times, and barely mustered two more wins in the season to finish with a 5-12 record.

So, it’s safe to say, after a burnout like that, that the Panthers are indeed in need of some work in the offseason. And that is where ESPN comes into play. The team at ESPN has put together a lite version of what Carolina needs to do this offseason, to not only start the season strong but this time finish.

“The Panthers need an offensive line and a quarterback to play behind it. You can’t say one without the other here because both the line and quarterback Sam Darnold have been a failure this season. Coach Matt Rhule said he has to make a “true investment” in the line this offseason. Outside of right tackle Taylor Moton and center Pat Elflein, this group needs a complete overhaul. Finding a replacement for Darnold, who has one year left on his deal, is just as vital for future success,” wrote David Newton.

Carolina interviews former Giants head coach Ben McAdoo

The Carolina Panthers are continuing to interview candidates for their offensive coordinator vacancy.

“Former Giants head coach and current Cowboys consultant Ben McAdoo will interview for the Panthers’ offensive coordinator job Tuesday, per league sources,” Joe Person of The Athletic reported on Monday.

The Carolina brass has already interviewed Vikings offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, Colts wide receivers coach Mike Groh, and Colts running backs coach Scottie Montgomery.

It’s clear the Carolina Panthers are looking everywhere possible to fill the spot vacated by Joe Brady.

McAdoo was the Giants’ offensive coordinator for two years before going 13-15 as their head coach and getting fired late in the 2017 season. He was the Jaguars quarterbacks coach in 2020 and worked as a Cowboys consultant during the 2021 season.

Panthers continue to make moves

According to a report on Friday Adam Schefter, the New York Giants granted permission to the Panthers to interview Thomas McGaughey for their special teams coordinator position.

McGaughey just wrapped up his fourth season as the Giants’ special teams coordinator and has served in the same role for three other NFL organizations prior to coming to New York.

On Thursday, multiple reports surfaced stating the Carolina Panthers were making a concerted effort to begin interviews for their special teams vacancy.

“Panthers interviewing former Bears’ special teams coordinator Chris Tabor and former Broncos’ special teams coordinator Tom McMahon for the same job in Carolina, per sources,” Adam Schefter tweeted on Thursday.

Earlier this week, the team fired three assistant coaches, including special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn, offensive line coach Pat Meyer and defensive line coach Frank Okam.