The Panthers were originally scheduled to meet with Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels on Friday about their head coach vacancy. New England’s surprise loss to the Titans in the Wild Card round has made him available earlier, though and the organization wants to take advantage.
According to a report by Albert Breer at Sports Illustrated, Carolina will now be interviewing McDaniels today, instead.
There are still other candidates to interview like Vikings offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski (scheduled for Thursday) but there’s a lot of speculation the Panthers could make their move and try to hire McDaniels before he leaves the building today.
New England didn’t have a great offense this year (they ranked No. 11 in offensive DVOA). It’s worth mentioning that Tom Brady is on the decline and their receiver corps was among the worst in the league, though.
Speaking of Brady, there’s also been chatter about him joining McDaniels in Carolina if that’s the hire. Brady is about to become a free agent. From where we’re sitting this would be an awful decision by the front office.
Cam Newton remains the best QB on the roster and if they’re going to move on without him, the Panthers should look to get younger. Taking a player like Tua Tagovailoa (who declared for the 2020 draft yesterday) is the way to go, not signing a 42 year-old who is far past his prime, no matter what his accomplishments are. It would come as a shock if Brady leaves New England, in any case.
As for McDaniels, the Panthers aren’t the only interested party. The Giants will interview him tomorrow and the Browns are set to meet with him on Friday.
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