CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Panthers have requested permission to interview four different NFL offensive coordinators for their head coaching vacancy, including Philadelphia’s Shane Steichen, Buffalo’s Ken Dorsey, Detroit’s Ben Johnson and the New York Giants’ Mike Kafka, according to a person familiar with the situation.
The team also conducted an interview with former Indianapolis Colts and Detroit Lions head coach Jim Caldwell on Monday.
The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday as the team does not release details of its coaching search.
Panthers owner David Tepper is exploring his options while determining whether to promote interim head coach Steve Wilks to the full-time coach or hire from outside the organization.
Wilks finished 6-6 as the team’s interim head coach and is expected to meet with Tepper this week for his own interview.
Carolina’s interview requests suggest Tepper is interested in upgrading an offense that was ranked 29th in the league this season while struggling with inconsistent quarterback play from Baker Mayfield, P.J. Walker and Sam Darnold. Carolina missed the playoffs for the fifth straight season under Tepper’s leadership, finishing 7-10.
Tepper fired Matt Rhule after the Panthers started the season 1-4. Rhule was 11-27 in a little more than two seasons at the helm.
___
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL