Panthers head coach search: Potential under-the-radar candidates still in NFL playoffs
The Carolina Panthers will begin their head coaching search as several top-notch teams begin their NFL playoff journeys this week.
While some well-publicized candidates like Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn are looking to push their postseason aspirations into February, there are several other under-the-radar options still working their playbooks in the postseason.
Following the November firing of former head coach Frank Reich, The Observer published an initial list of 20 potential candidates to fill the top coaching job in Carolina. With a couple more of months of observation, there’s reason to add some names to the mix, because the NFL is a living and breathing cliche as a “week-to-week” business.
Below are five under-the-radar names to keep an eye on for the Panthers in the playoffs:
Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald
The Ravens were the top team in the AFC during the regular season and are favorites to end up in the Super Bowl in February. While Lamar Jackson has been an MVP candidate, the Ravens’ defense has complemented him quite well on the opposite side of the ball. After resting several starters on Saturday, the Ravens still finished with top-tier marks on defense. Macdonald, 36, in his second season as defensive coordinator has staged an impressive track record with a talented unit. Macdonald is a name that has gained a lot of steam over the past two months.
UPDATE: The Panthers requested an interview with Macdonald on Monday.
Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken
While Macdonald has received plenty of buzz in recent weeks, Monken, 57, has also done an exceptional job in Baltimore. Jackson’s MVP-like season has been partially been made possible by Monken creating a balanced attack for the quarterback and company. Monken, who served as Georgia’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach from 2020 to 2022, understands how to talk to young players, and he could be an intriguing mentor for Bryce Young. Monken might need a few more years of success to break through, but an impressive playoff run could launch him into the head coach conversation.
UPDATE: The Panthers requested an interview with Monken on Monday.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales
Like Monken and Macdonald, Canales, 42, might be a year or two away from landing a job. But it’s hard to ignore what he has done for the Tampa Bay offense this season. Former Panthers quarterback Baker Mayfield, who struggled mightily in Carolina in 2022, has looked like a true franchise quarterback under Canales’ guidance. Mayfield, who was 2-0 against Carolina this season, threw for 4,044 passing yards and 28 touchdowns in his initial season with the Buccaneers. That output has to be eye-opening for Tepper.
UPDATE: The Panthers requested an interview with Canales on Monday.
Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn
The NFLPA recently put out the top results of a player survey about coordinators. Glenn, a third-year coordinator, led the voting among NFL defensive coordinators this season. While Johnson, Glenn’s colleague, has been the most talked about head coach candidate this cycle, the defensive coordinator made the list instead of Johnson this past week. Glenn, 51, has seen his unit improve mightily in 2023 after a league-worst finish in 2022. He is probably a long shot to land a job somewhere, but there’s always an under-the-radar candidate that gets hired in every cycle.
Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer
Scottenheimer, 50, isn’t being talked about much this cycle, but there’s reason to believe he should be. The work he has done with quarterback Dak Prescott and wideout CeeDee Lamb has been phenomenal this season. Both players are among the top statistical performers at their respective positions this season. Schottenheimer comes from a football family and has plenty of league experience. Like some others on this list, he might be a year away, but he is definitely worth a conversation.
This story was originally published January 8, 2024 at 6:30 AM.
