5 lively outsiders for the Carolina Panthers head coaching job in 2023

Carolina Panthers could target Dan Quinn

The notion that Dan Quinn would ever get head coaching consideration again after how things ended with the Atlanta Falcons was laughable once upon a time. Now, it would be a shock if he wasn’t targeted by one or more teams looking for a change in approach next year.

Quinn is masterminding a supremely talented Dallas Cowboys defense, which is among the league’s most dominant and is scheming things up almost perfectly no matter the opposition. Jerry Jones was thrilled when his defensive coordinator stuck around for the 2022 campaign, but he might not be as lucky next time around if things keep progressing in the same manner.

It’s also worth remembering that Quinn did guide the Falcons to a Super Bowl. Things weren’t quite the same after their complete collapse against the New England Patriots, but he remains highly respected in league circles and could be an outside-the-box possibility for the Carolina Panthers when the time comes to create their shortlist.

This might not be well received by the team’s fanbase, who remember Quinn’s demise with an NFC South rival. David Tepper’s public perception took a massive hit under Matt Rhule, which could sway him away from this particular candidate when push comes to shove.

It’ll be interesting to see which avenues the Panthers explore when their window opens. But there’s a growing chance they’ll also keep things in-house and reward Steve Wilks for transforming the culture in such a short space of time.