Panthers: Staff changes complete, results to be determined
The Carolina Panthers will be under new leadership in 2018 at almost every level…
Carolina Panthers founder and team owner Jerry Richardson has placed his team on the market, beginning to take qualifying bids for the franchise following their wild card playoff loss. Once accepted, the team will have a new owner but who or what group eventually takes over remains to be seen.
Coach Ron Rivera received a contract extension prior to the season ending in an effort to provide some solidarity among the abundance of changes surrounding the organization. After compiling a 67-51-1 overall record in seven seasons with three divisional championships and a Super Bowl appearance, it was well deserved.
Following the season, it was reported there would be no coaching changes except for potentially a coach leaving for another opportunity. Rivera had defensive coordinator Steve Wilks in mind and he eventually landed as the Arizona Cardinals head coach.
However, prior to his departure and the resulting changes that followed, Rivera had already begun to implement his own reworking of the coaching staff. The team parted ways with former offensive coordinator Mike Shula and quarterback coach Ken Dorsey, replacing them with Norv Turner and his son Scott in each role, respectively.
Special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey did not have his contract renewed and instead the team elected to promote assistant Chase Blackburn to the full time role. Heath Farwell, who was special teams assistant for the Seattle Seahawks was hired to fill Blackburn’s former position.
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The departure of Wilks brought more changes as former Panthers linebacker coach Al Holcomb will be defensive coordinator for the Cardinals and offensive line coach Ray Brown will continue his duties on staff with Wilks.
Carolina promoted defensive line coach Eric Washington to their own coordinator position and dipped into the college ranks for replacements. Interim Tennessee head coach Brady Hoke and Air Force assistant Steve Russ each joined the Panthers for their first professional coaching experiences as defensive line and linebacker coaches.
Finally, former Panthers offensive guard and tackle Travelle Wharton returns as assistant offensive line coach under longtime assistant John Matsko.
Next: 2018 Divisional Opponents Preview
For an offseason beginning without expectation of much turnover, the Panthers added a new offensive, defense and special teams coordinator among six new coaching hires and two promotions.