Along with a few other assistants, Panthers offensive line coach John Matsko has jumped ship and joined Ron Rivera’s Redskins staff. It’s one of several open coaching positions for Carolina that must be filled.
Matt Rhule has been interviewing candidates with NFL experience lately, including three former head coaches for the QB job. It’s not a bad idea to supplement the relative lack of pro experience his offensive and defensive coordinators will bring to the table.
One common theme we’re seeing is Rhule’s ties with the Giants. He was their assistant offensive line coach in the 2012 season – his only previous job in the NFL before David Tepper hired him. Rhule’s boss that year was Pat Flaherty, who coached New York’s offensive line from 2004-2015.
According to a report by Alex Marvez at Sirius XM, Flaherty interviewed with the team on Friday.
Long-time NFL offensive line coach Pat Flaherty interviewed today with the @Panthers, a source tells @SiriusXMNFL. Flaherty was once on the same @Giants coaching staff with new CAR HC Matt Rhule
— Alex Marvez (@alexmarvez) January 18, 2020
Flaherty’s first job in the league was in Washington as their tight ends coach, a position he also held for the Bears. Most of his career has been spent working with the offensive line, though. Between the Giants, 49ers, Jaguars and Dolphins, he’s been an OL coach at this level for 16 years.
He has some local history, as well. Flaherty was once the defensive ends coach for East Carolina and held several roles at Wake Forest from 1993-1998.
Whether they hire Flaherty or another candidate, the Panthers should be looking for more balance up front. Matsko’s philosophy tended to emphasize run blocking over pass protection too much in our opinion. Not many offensive lines are great at both. However, pass blocking is the most important area the offense has to improve upon.
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