Panthers Likely To Hire Buccaneers’ Brad Idzik As OC

The Panthers are likely seeking an offensive coordinator who does not call plays, as new head coach Dave Canales is expected to take on that role. The team appears to be limiting their search for this position.

Currently, there are two candidates being considered for the job. The Panthers have requested a meeting with Buccaneers wide receivers coach Brad Idzik, while also planning to meet with Eagles assistant Marcus Brady. However, Canales is expected to choose someone he is familiar with rather than conducting an extensive search.

According to NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero, Idzik is likely to be hired. He has worked with Canales for several years, including as an assistant wide receivers coach for the Seahawks. The Panthers must still meet with Brady to comply with the Rooney Rule, which mandates that teams interview at least one external minority candidate for coordinator positions.

In the past, some teams have conducted quick searches for offensive coordinators, with the Falcons, Bengals, and Bills hiring from a pool of only two candidates. Meanwhile, in 2023, the Panthers opted for experience by hiring Frank Reich, a five-year play-caller, as head coach. Canales, who has only called plays for one season, will be taking a big gamble on his newly formed coaching tree if Idzik is ultimately hired.

On a separate note, Mike Evans set a record by extending his streak of consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to 10, but was more productive with Baker Mayfield than with Tom Brady. Chris Godwin also had a third straight 1,000-yard season.