1 ideal candidate for every Carolina Panthers coaching vacancy

Who could end up filling a growing number of vacancies within the Carolina Panthers coaching staff during a critical offseason for the franchise?

For a man who said his process is “1,000 percent” working, Matt Rhule firing a number of coaches certainly tells a different story. The Carolina Panthers parted ways with three leading figures behind the scenes once a disappointing 2021 season came to a conclusion, which leaves four open spots given Joe Brady’s departure midway through the team’s bye week.

Offensive line coach Pat Meyer, defensive line coach Frank Okam, and special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn were all shown the door. In Meyer and Blackburn’s case, it was probably expected and a sign of how things transpired for the Panthers throughout the campaign.

Rhule now has a big job of finding the right replacements. The head coach is getting a reprieve barring a major change of heart from team owner David Tepper, but any false moves in the coming weeks could have serious ramifications for Rhule.

With this in mind, here is one ideal candidate for every coaching vacancy that needs to be filled in Carolina.

Carolina Panthers ST coordinator

Ryan Ficken

Although the Minnesota Vikings didn’t make the postseason in 2021, their production on special teams was among the league’s best and was far from the cause of their eventual demise. With Mike Zimmer and Rick Spielman both fired on Black Monday, coaches remaining on the team will no doubt be nervously looking over their shoulders once a replacement comes in.

This could mean someone like Vikings special teams coordinator Ryan Ficken is available. Someone the Carolina Panthers should bring in for an interview, at the very least.

There are far worse potential candidates, that’s for sure. And there could be a mutual interest if Minnesota’s new head coach – whoever that is – comes with his own staff as expected.