1 ideal candidate for every Carolina Panthers coaching vacancy
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers DL coach
- Travis Smith (Las Vegas Raiders)
The Las Vegas Raiders somehow made the postseason in dramatic fashion on the final day of the regular season. A remarkable achievement when one considers the turmoil that’s enveloped the organization in 2021.
Their coaching staff deserves an enormous amount of credit for the way they’ve adjusted to ever-turbulent times in pursuit of the same goal. But there could be a few looking for alternative employment if the Raiders decide not to give Rich Bisaccia the head coaching job long-term.
One name that should enter consideration for the Carolina Panthers is Travis Smith. He has been part of the Raiders set-up for more than a decade and spent the last three seasons as assistant defensive line coach, working with a unit that’s made some significant strides this year.
Smith has previous knowledge working across the defense as a quality control staff member. However, it’s his encouraging development of young talent that’s really caught the eye and something that could potentially fit in well on the Panthers.
Carolina still possesses a gifted young defensive front who performed well overall. Letting Frank Okam go was a surprise to many, but adding Smith to the coaching staff could reap some instant rewards.
Whether it’s a thought the Panthers are contemplating or not is up for debate. But it should be.