5 leading candidates if the Panthers cut ties with head coach Matt Rhule
By Dean Jones
Byron Leftwich
Considering how much the offense has struggled this season, any potential candidate would need to have this primary focus, one suspects. The Carolina Panthers aren’t that far away from being a force, but this is a pivotal offseason period that’ll go a long way to determining their long-term fortunes.
If Matt Rhule is moved on – shocking as that may be – then targeting someone like Byron Leftwich becomes a realistic option. The former pro quarterback is flourishing as offensive coordinator of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, meshing well with quarterback Tom Brady en route to a Super Bowl triumph in 2020.
Although Brady has a big part to play, one cannot understate the level of impact Leftwich is also making. He’s done a great of coming up with the necessary adjustments to allow Tampa Bay’s playmakers to thrive in a balanced scheme and the coach is also hugely respected in league circles.
Leftwich and David Tepper are no strangers from their involvement together on the Pittsburgh Steelers. It would also snatch a leading figure from an NFC South rival, which is another positive that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Whether Leftwich gets a head coaching job this year is hanging in the balance right now. So he might still be available in 2023 if the Panthers decide to give Rhule a reprieve.