4 emerging head coaches the Carolina Panthers could target in 2023
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers could hire Jim Harbaugh
There’s growing speculation linking the Carolina Panthers with a big splash in their pursuit of a prominent head coach. Jim Harbaugh, in particular, is a name drawing significant traction over the past few days.
It all started with The Athletic report saying Harbaugh returning to the NFL is a “done deal” if he gets a suitable offer. This was swiftly followed by multiple announcements confirming David Tepper and the Michigan head coach held a preliminary discussion about the possibility of coming to Carolina.
Harbaugh told Queen City News that he anticipates returning to the Wolverines in 2023. But if Tepper decides this is the man, he’ll do whatever it takes.
This is not like tempting Matt Rhule from the college ranks on a lucrative deal. Harbaugh played in the NFL and enjoyed supreme success as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, so the risk is far less great regarding potential failure.
It would take a whopping contract and a huge say in personnel moves, just for starters. The Panthers have some nice pieces in place to build around, but Tepper might need to come out of a bidding war victorious with the Denver Broncos also sniffing around.
Again, this would be harsh on Steve Wilks. But there’s absolutely no doubt Harbaugh ticks every box Tepper is supposedly looking for in his next head coach.