Potential Carolina Panthers offensive coordinators for the 2018 season…
Now that the Carolina Panthers have fired offensive coordinator Mike Shula, speculation as to who coach Ron Rivera will hire as his replacement begins. The Panthers need someone who can maintain their power run game but also help quarterback Cam Newton reach his full potential on a more consistent basis.
Newton, as the quarterback, is the focal point on offense but is in need of more support to help his efforts. Fresh ideas and new ways to utilize others’ capabilities to contribute were warranted and Rivera agreed. After another season where a lack of offensive consistency stymied Carolina, changes are coming.
While the installation of a new offensive system will take time, the results should be beneficial to Newton and company. Also, having a few veterans at key positions in addition to a dynamic young running back will aid in the process.
Following are a few potential names the Panthers could be interested in landing for their current vacancy.
John DeFilippo
The Philadelphia Eagles quarterback coach has helped second-year quarterback Carson Wentz successfully transition into the NFL and has prior coordinator experience both at the collegiate and professional levels. He has previously drawn interest as an offensive coordinator as Philadelphia prevented the New York Jets from interviewing him last year.
Now that his contract is up, DeFilippo can interview as he pleases and has garnered consideration as a potential head coaching candidate around the league. DeFilippo also has ties to the Panthers, having served as an intern during the 1997 offseason prior to his collegiate graduation.
Norv Turner
The former NFL head coach and offensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings quit midyear during the 2016 season. This past football season was the first since 1975 that Turner wasn’t coaching somewhere either in college or the pros but he hasn’t ruled out a return next year.
Turner served as head coach of the San Diego Chargers, where current Panthers coach Ron Rivera assisted as defensive coordinator. The two have history together and with Rivera’s known loyalty to his staff, changes would be made easier by already having his replacement for Shula in mind.
Rob Chudzinski
The first offensive coordinator of Newton’s professional career, Rob Chudzinski left Carolina to become head coach of the Cleveland Browns. Chudzinski lasted only one season in Cleveland before moving on to Indianapolis where he has served as offensive coordinator and associate head coach.
Chudzinski also has a relationship with Rivera, as both served together in San Diego under Turner and worked together in Carolina. Reuniting Newton with someone to whom he is familiar would almost ensure a smooth transition and installation of the offense.
Pep Hamilton
A native of Charlotte, Pep Hamilton has spent time in college and on the professional level calling plays. Currently the passing game coordinator for coach Jim Harbaugh at Michigan, his area of expertise would be a definite change of pace from the power running game to which most teams have become accustomed.
Serving as associate head coach responsible for quarterbacks in Cleveland prior to Michigan, Hamilton appears on track to becoming a head coach one day. He was offensive coordinator in Indianapolis for three seasons and also coached for the New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers and Chicago Bears previously.
Alex Van Pelt
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has spoken highly of his former coach Alex Van Pelt. After advancing to the NFC Championship last season, Rodgers offered the following comments to ESPN Staff Writer Rob Demovsky.
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"“He’s a great game-day manager, giving me exactly what I need and nothing more. He cares about it. The guy puts a lot of work into it. He’s a great coach. There’s no reason why his name shouldn’t be out there for coordinator spots right now, but he’s done a great job for us. And he and I have become very close.”"
One year later the Packers and Van Pelt have parted ways after Green Bay struggled to win football games without Rodgers on the field. The now former Packers quarterback coach has play calling experience, serving as the Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator during the 2009 season.
Van Pelt is also a former NFL quarterback spending time with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills over 11 seasons.
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Don’t expect the position to be vacant for long as preparations are beginning for the NFL Draft. Rivera needs someone in place who can assist in revamping the offensive side of the football while adding a few more weapons for Newton.