Carolina Panthers should target Byron Leftwich
One of the more shocking things that emerged from the head coaching carousel in 2022 was the fact Byron Leftwich wasn’t given an opportunity. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator looked like the favorite to take over at the Jacksonville Jaguars before negotiations stalled and every other destination also went in different directions.
Leftwich has worked incredibly well with legendary quarterback Tom Brady over the last two seasons. Something that brought the Bucs a memorable Super Bowl triumph and saw the play-caller’s reputation in coaching circles go through the roof.
This could tick all the boxes for David Tepper. Leftwich is brilliant at what he does and now has plenty of experience to ready himself for the next step when the time comes.
That will be sooner rather than later, one suspects. Just why Leftwich was overlooked last time around is anyone’s guess but if Tampa Bay goes deep into the postseason, then the Carolina Panthers and others around the league would be wise to seriously consider the former quarterback.
Bruce Arians and Brady’s glowing praise of Leftwich also holds significant weight. The lessons acquired from working with two established figures such as this will no doubt serve him well once a well-deserved promotion is secured.