The Panthers decided to fire Ron Rivera during the season, but still haven’t found a replacement. They have started interviews and will likely be making their hire in the next few weeks. Here are five potential head coaching candidates for the Carolina Panthers. (Odds are from
1. Mike McCarthy +200
McCarthy has been rumored for just about every head coach opening there has been this season. He was the coach in Green Bay for 13 years. His biggest accomplishment was winning a Super Bowl, but he also made the playoffs in nine of his 13 seasons.
The Panthers will need to figure out their quarterback situation for the future, as Will Grier and Kyle Allen were not consistent. Cam Newton will be recovering from another injury as well. McCarthy has helped develop Aaron Rodgers, so he could make the most of the situation and get this team competing again.
2. Greg Roman +600
Roman has been the offensive coordinator for one of the most electric offenses in recent memory with the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens have the highest-scoring offense in the league at 33.2 points per game. Lamar Jackson has been great this season and Roman deserves some credit for that.
If the Panthers choose to keep Newton, Roman would be a perfect fit. Roman has gotten the most out of Jackson’s dual-threat abilities and could do the same for Newton. He also uses all available personnel well, which means he can work with a variety of different players.
3. Kevin Stefanski +1200
The Vikings have changed their offense this season from a pass-heavy attack to a more balanced attack. Because of the new philosophy, the Vikings have looked like a much better team this season. Stefanski is a major reason why the offense has worked this season as the offensive coordinator.
He is young at 37 years old and he has just one year as a coordinator under his belt, but Stefanski could be a good fit in Carolina. If he can get a balanced offense going for the Panthers, they should be able to maximize Christian McCaffrey’s effectiveness. Stefanski has already agreed to meet with the Panthers.
4. Perry Fewell N/A
Fewell was the interim coach for the Panthers after they fired Rivera. He has never had a head coaching job, but is 3-8 as an interim coach. Fewell does have experience as an assistant for the Jaguars, Rams, Bears, Bills, Giants and Redskins.
With how the Panthers finished the season, they may not believe in Fewell for the job. They are however giving him an interview. If he impresses at the interview and can show how he would do things differently next season, he could get the job.
5. Josh McDaniels +400
McDaniels is one of the top candidates for a head coaching job this offseason. He has done well as the Patriots’ offensive coordinator, but their offense has struggled this season. In his time as Denver’s head coach, he had a losing record and didn’t make it a full two seasons with the team.
Because he is a candidate for a few different jobs, he likely won’t choose the Panthers if he does decide to leave the Patriots. He deserves to be on the list, but McDaniels will probably be roaming the sidelines as the Patriots’ offensive coordinator again next season.