7 offensive-minded head coaching candidates the Panthers must target
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers must consider Byron Leftwich
One could make a strong case that Byron Leftwich should be a head coach already. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator was the subject of interest for many teams during the last hiring process before going in different directions, but 2023 could be the year he’s given the keys to the kingdom somewhere.
Leftwich is a former quarterback that’s highly respected by players and coaches alike. His methodical approach and ability to adjust on the fly came in for huge praise during Tampa Bay’s run to the Super Bowl in 2020 and although things aren’t going quite according to plan this season, that shouldn’t put the Carolina Panthers off from bringing him in for an interview, at the very least.
Many point to the fact Tom Brady is around and Bruce Arians’ big input into how the offense was deployed week to week. However, the contribution made by Leftwich cannot be ignored and it would be a travesty if he wasn’t given a top job at some stage.
This experience of working with the likes of Brady and Arians is a solid foundation that Leftwich can call upon if he gets the opportunity to carve out his own head coaching path. The fact this also weakens an NFC South rival only sweetens the deal for Carolina.
Leftwich would be a popular appointment. One that also fits David Tepper’s reported desire to get an offensive-minded coach to the Panthers in pursuit of finally getting this franchise trending in the right direction.