Report: Luke Kuechly interested in return to Panthers specifically

Latest report on retired Carolina Panthers LB Luke Kuechly.

Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly suddenly announced his retirement last week after eight seasons in the NFL. But almost as soon as that was reported, rumors surfaced that Kuechly could return to the NFL in the very near future in a front office or coaching role.

With the Panthers-Bills connections in mind, could a job in Buffalo be possible for Kuechly? Perhaps not, according to a new report.

Per Adam Schefter at ESPN, Kuechly is interested in sticking around for a post-retirement role in Carolina, specifically.

“Kuechly is interested in having a role with the Panthers, a league source told ESPN, whether it’s as an adviser, coach, executive or another job that could help the team,” the report read, which also indicates that the former All-Pro and Defensive Player of the Year could decided to go the television route, too.

In addition, the Panthers did just move on from the only coach Kuechly knew in the NFL in Ron Rivera. However, that means new Carolina head coach Matt Rhule is currently filling out his coaching staff, so there could be an easier spot to fill for Kuechly.

But with Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott and general manager Brandon Beane previously having connected with Kuechly over the course of several seasons together with the Panthers, Buffalo still could be an option. The Bills could create a new position for him. But Kuechly is also much more settled in Carolina personally via his playing career.

All things considered, there could realistically be a couple of options for Kuechly to consider.

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