The Carolina Panthers are already making drastic changes, just 24 Hours after their Wild Card loss on Sunday. Carolina has fired offensive coordinator Mike Shula and quarterback coach Ken Dorsey.
CHARLOTTE — Coach Ron Rivera during today’s press conference after this decision.”This organization is very grateful for the contributions of Mike Schula and Ken Dorsey and where we are as a football team. To kind of give you an idea of what I’ve gone through in the last 24 hours, I know I stated yesterday about not making changes but I did say this was an evaluation. After yesterday’s press conference, I went upstairs and started looking at things and going through some notes and spent the evening doing that. I came to the conclusion that going forward, I believe the thing we needed to do was to bring in a different perspective and different ideas in terms to us moving forward to what I believe is our ultimate goal in winning a Superbowl.”
To be FairFor the 2017-2018 season for Carolina, there were key players missing games left and right. Pro Bowl tight end Greg Olsen and Pro Bowl center Ryan Kalil missed more than half of the season with injuries. Curtis Samuel drafted out of Ohio State in the 2nd round, was limited to nine games and four starts due to injuries. It didn’t help that No. 1 receiver Kelvin Benjamin was traded to Buffalo in early November either. Before the playoffs began, the wide receiver corps was so depleted.
Candidates for Offensive CoordinatorNorv Turner: The former NFL head coach and offensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings quit midyear during the 2016 season. Turner said he hasn’t ruled out a return next year.Rivera and Turner have history together. Turner was the head coach of the San Diego Chargers and current Panthers coach Ron Rivera was the defensive coordinator.
Rob Chudzinski: The first offensive coordinator of Cam Newton’s professional career, Chudzinski left Carolina to become head coach of the Cleveland Browns. He would last only one season in Cleveland before moving on to Indianapolis where he has served as offensive coordinator and associate head coach.
Chudzinski also has a relationship with Rivera, as both served together in San Diego under Turner and worked together in Carolina. Reuniting Netwon with someone to whom he is familiar would almost ensure a smooth transition and installation of the offense.
Bottom LinePanthers making a change is what had to happen. Newton is the staple of this franchise. However, in the last two seasons, Newton has combined for 41 touchdown passes and 30 interceptions. In 2015 his career year, he had 35 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Rivera also said “It is about growth” when talking about the coaching changes. It will be interesting what transpires in the next few months.
Follow Nick on Twitter: @Nick_Wilcox25
For more of his stories: https://foxsports1340am.com/author/nick97/