5 bold head coaching hires the Carolina Panthers could pursue in 2023
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers could target Eric Bieniemy
There is no denying Eric Bieniemy is fully deserving of an NFL head coaching opportunity. Just why no team has taken the plunge at this stage is bizarre and confusing in equal measure, with the Carolina Panthers also looking the other way when they hired Matt Rhule on a seven-year, $62 million deal instead.
Despite trading Tyreek Hill to the Miami Dolphins, Bieniemy is once again guiding the Kansas City Chiefs offense to outstanding accomplishments in 2022. It obviously helps to have Andy Reid as a head coach and Patrick Mahomes under center, but dismissing his contribution entirely would be foolish.
After many near misses, appointing Bieniemy now can be classed as bold. It would also be another sign of David Tepper recognizing a major mistake and reacting accordingly.
Steve Wilks has restored pride back to Carolina football and is deserving of the opportunity. This will be entirely dependent on how Tepper perceives the situation and if Kansas City wins another Super Bowl, then Bieniemy will once again come into the equation.
With the Panthers set to move forward without Baker Mayfield, P.J. Walker, and Sam Darnold, having someone like Bieniemy nurturing a new quarterback will be invaluable for Carolina’s short and long-term aspirations.
Bieniemy has been overlooked for too long. Whether Tepper swallows his pride and gives him another call remains to be seen.