4 franchise-altering questions facing the Carolina Panthers in 2023

Carolina Panthers must choose their head coach

Before the franchise quarterback, the contract decisions, and the new headquarters, the Carolina Panthers must decide on their next head coach. Matt Rhule’s stint with the organization was nothing short of catastrophic, so another false move from team owner David Tepper won’t be tolerated by a fanbase that’s paid their hard-earned money to watch nothing but failure under his leadership.

There is growing support for Steve Wilks to have the interim tag removed when the time comes. The respected figure’s done a remarkable job in difficult circumstances, so Tepper could decide to give him the reins full-time when it’s all said and done.

Many within the national media are not so certain. Multiple reports suggest Tepper is after an offensive-minded coach to steer the Panthers back to prominence, although going down the college route is simply not an option after the significant gamble on Rhule blew up in Carolina’s face.

Wilks deserves the chance to pick his own staff and have a leading say in which quarterback comes into the fold. He’s reset the culture and picked up some notable success since replacing Rhule, but Tepper’s unpredictability and hair-trigger mentality means nothing can be ruled out at this juncture.

Again, this is a crossroad moment for the Panthers. The right man has a lot of talent to work with, so a few prolific acquisitions could take Carolina back into legitimate contention considering the current state of affairs in the NFC South.

But with Tepper, you just never know.