Dec 4, 2011; Tampa FL, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterbacks Cam Newton (1) and Derek Anderson (3) in the first half of their game at Raymond James Stadium. The Panthers won 38-19. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports

A Charlotte area news station reported that Derek Anderson posted on his Facebook page recently that “it looks like it is time to make a return to a familiar place for some unfinished business.” Anderson’s Offensive Coordinator at Cleveland was the Panthers old Offensive Coordinator Rob Chudzinski. One of the reported reasons that Anderson first came to Carolina was because of his loyalty to Chudzinski. So more than likely, we will not be seeing Derek Anderson wearing any combination of blue, black, or white next year.

Of course there always seems to be a need for revenge every time someone steals from you, and that is exactly what the Panthers seem to be doing. Now former Cleveland Browns head coach Pat Shurmur has been in talks for the vacant spot left by his replacement. Along with Shurmur the Panthers also have reportedly been in talks with Cincinnati Bengal’s secondary coach, and former Oakland Raider’s head coach, Hue Jackson, as well as the Panthers current Quarterback’s coach Mike Shula.

However, while researching the topic on who we should hire as our next Offensive Coordinator, I found a very interesting article explaining why we should hire former Tampa Bay Running Back’s coach Steve Logan. “Since leaving his job as running back’s coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the 2011 season Steve Logan has worked in media. In much the same way he coached, Logan is different. He is bold, opinionated, and entertaining. Once described as the curious pirate for his unpredictable, unconventional, and surprisingly successful tenure at East Carolina, Logan has won consistently with players other teams did not want.” I implore every reader to read the article as it is very insightful. You can find all of it on opposingview.com.

So with all that being said, Steve Logan and Pat Shurmur are my frontrunners for the vacant position of Offensive Coordinator. Who’s your personal frontrunner? Please leave a comment in the comments section below, or send in your thoughts to newccrpodcast@gmail.com to get your thoughts read on our podcast Cat Crave Radio.

Jun 12, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski walks to the field prior to the start of minicamp at the team

Rob Chudzinski was responsible for the transformation of the Panthers anemic offense of 2010 to the explosive, high-octane, point producing machine it became in 2011. He developed an offense that made perfect use of the very unique skill set Cam Newton brought to the Panthers as their franchise quarterback. Chud has a brilliant offensive mind. He is very creative in his play design and he loves to throw the ball all over the field. This was sometimes a problem in Carolina, where he often failed to make use of the incredibly talented backfield the Panthers possess.

His infatuation with getting the ball downfield often caused him to become predictable in his play calling and he has been guilty of  not making the proper half time adjustments.The offense sputtered during the first few weeks of the 2012 season and this caused the Panthers fan base to call for his job. But toward the end of 2012 the offense turned around and began putting up number similar to 2011 and Chud got back to making good use of the talent Carolina has at running back.

I bet the expectations for Chudzinski will be high. He will be expected to turn around the Browns offense the same way he did Carolina’s in his first season. He does have some of the pieces in place but I think the Browns offensively are still a couple of players away from making the same sort of strides the Panthers did from 2010 to 2011.

I am interested in seeing how Chud develops as a head coach. I am more interested in who the Panthers will name as their new offensive coordinator. Will they promote quarterbacks coach Mike Shula or will they bring in someone from another team. The selection will go a long way in shaping the coaching future of  head coach Ron Rivera.  Whomever they select, they will have some very big shoes to fill..

God Bless!

Follow me on Twitter @JoeRiollano

Jan 1, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Mike Tolbert (35) rushes up field against the Oakland Raiders during the second quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jason O. Watson-US PRESSWIRE

My immediate thought when I saw this signing was that the Panthers must be considering trading either DeAngelo Williams or Jonathan Stewart because Mike Tolbert is too good to be sitting bench as the third-string running back. However, the Panthers have acted like they don’t intend to trade either one of their current running backs. In fact, it seems as if the Panthers plan on Tolbert serving in the role of a fullback/H-back type of player. In Rob Chudzinski’s offense the tight ends and fullbacks/H-backs are used in the passing game and in blocking quite frequently, so to have a guy like Tolbert who has the size to play fullback and also has the athleticism to play running back or the H-back position could prove to be very beneficial for the Panthers.

However, Tolbert’s signing pretty much puts the nail in the coffin as far as Mike Goodson’s career with the Panthers is concerned. There really is no need to have him around anymore with three backs already on the roster that can give you solid production. Tolbert’s contract was a four-year deal worth $10 million.