Carolina Panthers: 3 staff members who could get head coaching jobs

Carolina Panthers staff member No. 3: Jason Simmons (DB coordinator)

Jason Simmons comes into the Carolina Panthers with a tremendous pedigree. But he has his work cut out with the defensive back options available in 2020.

The former standout at Arizona State has worked his way up the coaching ladder to earn this prominent opportunity. And if he can continue trending on an upward curve it could lead to Simmons becoming a possible head coaching candidate in the future.

It’s hard not to like the way Simmons went about his business on the field. His 5-foot-9 stature didn’t phase him one bit. And he played the game with fearless aggression and ruthlessness that also comes over in his coaching, according to Panthers’ defensive coordinator Phil Snow.

"“Jason was always physical, and tough, and smart. He is the exact same guy as a coach. I think the players love him because nothing goes by. If something needs to be said in the room, it’s said. So they see how tough he is. He’s a really hard worker. Really, I’ve been even more impressed working with Jason than I was before he came on board.”"

The Panthers have some real questions to answer regarding their secondary. This is especially evident in a cornerback room that has only brought back Donte Jackson from their starting options in 2019.

Even if Simmons maximizes productivity from the options available, it does not necessarily mean results on the field against some truly elite offenses on the schedule. However, it will give the popular figure’s reputation another big shot in the arm in pursuit of making his way further up the coaching ladder.