4 emerging head coaches the Carolina Panthers could target in 2023
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers could hire DeMeco Ryans
Another name that’s come up recently is a former player turned defensive innovator. While this doesn’t fit the mold of what David Tepper reportedly wants in his next head coach, the billionaire is said to be looking closely at DeMeco Ryans as another worthy interview candidate.
Ryans is anticipated to be one of the hottest names in this year’s cycle. His influence as San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator has seen this unit transform into one of the league’s most dominant, which won’t go unnoticed by other organizations when the time to create shortlists commences.
As a former player, Ryans commands instant respect within the locker room. He is a progressive mind who’s come through the ranks in a short space of time, which is always something teams bank on when examining would-be candidates.
While the Carolina Panthers already have a defensive guru in Steve Wilks, Ryans is younger and hotter in terms of his growing reputation. And the Kyle Shanahan coaching tree is one of the more prolific when it comes to producing head coaches in recent years.
The Panthers would be wise to interview Ryans at some stage. However, there should be a queue of suitors looking to secure his services and especially if San Francisco goes deep into the postseason as expected.