5 burning questions Panthers fans are asking ahead of 2023 offseason

Does James Campen return with a new Carolina Panthers coaching staff?

Can we keep our o-line coach with whoever the new HC is? Our o-line actually showed some improvement this year and stability for those guys is everything. – Brandon

This is certainly a question that has flown under the radar.

The Carolina Panthers have enjoyed the best offensive line play they have had in several years. I would argue that this is a better group that protected Cam Newton during his NFL MVP season in 2015.

This is an above-average unit that is ready to protect a potential rookie quarterback. Much of the credit goes down to the excellent coaching that offensive line coach James Campen has done since arriving in the Carolinas.

Campen was the Green Bay Packers’ long-time offensive line coach from 2004-2018, possessing steady groups that did terrific work in the run game and pass protection. We have seen that continuity and discipline this season thanks to his coaching and the talent the Panthers possess upfront.

Ikem Ekwonu, Brady Christensen, Austin Corbett, and Taylor Moton are all under contract for the next couple of seasons with a return hopeful on Bradley Bozeman’s end. This is a group I believe is among the 10 best offensive lines in the NFL if they stay together.

The biggest question is whether Campen stays on with a new coaching staff. If Steve Wilks becomes the head coach moving forward, he should return.

It’s a little murky after that, however. Campen is well-respected in league circles and I do think he would be a valuable piece to whoever becomes the Panthers’ next head coach.