Potential Candidates for the Carolina Panthers Head Coaching Job

Earlier today, the Carolina Panthers officially fired Ron Rivera. Since taking over in 2011, Ron Rivera finished with a regular season record of 76-63-1, a playoff record of 3-4, 3 division titles, a super bowl appearance, and 2 Coach of the Year awards. Although this may look like a great resume for a head coach, a change was needed in Carolina. The Panthers recently lost to the, at the time 2-9, Redskins and let up a season high 248 rushing yards. After the glorious 2015 season where Ron went 15-1, it never felt the same. His coaching style became outdated, his vaunted defenses became average, and Carolina could no longer compete. Carolina fans are grateful for what Ron has done here and we will always be, but change is inevitable and it was that time. With Ron Rivera gone, here are the potential candidates I would like to see here in Carolina as the next head coach:

Kevin Stefanski, Vikings Offensive Coordinator

Since taking over mid-season last year, the offense has looked better and Kirk Cousins has looked like the $84 million quarterback he was paid to be. This year Kirk Cousins has looked great and has had an MVP type season. Along with the quarterback play, Dalvin Cook has also had a revelation and has put himself as one of the best backs in the league. At 37 years old, Stefanski is young but in today’s NFL, having a young, offensive-minded head coaches is what everyone wants.

Josh McDaniels, Patriots Offensive Coordinator

Josh McDaniels was once seconds away from becoming the head coach of the Colts before backing away to return to New England. However, McDaniels may decide to jump ship to get his own team in Carolina. With the lack of talent in New England and a inevitable decline of Tom Brady, the great offensive mastermind may find Carolina intriguing with an MVP Caliber quarterback and running back along with a talented defense and young offensive players.

Robert Saleh, 49ers Defensive Coordinator

If the Carolina Panthers want to continue with the identity of having a great defense, I believe Saleh is the man to hire. Saleh spent six seasons with the Houston Texans as an assistant before spending three seasons learning under Pete Carroll in Seattle, then coached linebackers in Jacksonville from 2014 through 2016. He took over as the 49ers' defensive coordinator in 2017 and has been oustanding. Saleh has been instrumental in taking the 49ers from the fifth-worst scoring defense in 2018, to the second-best unit in 2019. Carolina is the No. 20 defense in the NFL per Football Outsiders' DVOA rankings, and hiring Saleh could help rebuild this Panthers defense. Although I would like an offensive minded coach, Saleh wouldn't be a bad pickup.

Lincoln Riley, Oklahoma Head Coach

This is my dream scenario. Lincoln Riley has consistently had an offensive powered team at Oklahoma and having him in Carolina would be a dream. At Oklahoma he has set historical milestones for his offenses and bringing him to Carolina would be the dream. Lincoln Riley is the new age head coach and with a healthy Cam Newton and Christian McCaffrey, I am positive he will have success at the next level. The past 3 years, Lincoln has had Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Jalen Hurts. 2 heisman winners, 2 first overall picks, and a hesiman contender in Hurts. It would take a lot to lure Lincoln Away from Oklahoma since he can control his recruits and staff while also getting paid millions, but it would be worth the shot. David Tepper should break the bank to bring in Lincoln.