At the start of the offseason, the Carolina Panthers were widely considered to have the worst head-coaching vacancy in the NFL. Owner David Tepper’s involvement was a concern for many in the league, leading to doubts about the team’s ability to fill the head coach and general manager positions.
Just a year prior, the Panthers had a more favorable reputation, with Tepper investing heavily in the coaching staff and acquiring quarterback Bryce Young in the 2023 NFL Draft. However, by November of that year, head coach Frank Reich was fired and reports emerged of Tepper’s meddling and short temper.
With no first-round pick in 2024 and Tepper’s reputation as untrustworthy, many believed the Panthers would struggle to fill their vacancies. However, the hiring of head coach Dave Canales and executive Brandt Tilis has generated positive responses from around the league.
Canales has been given more freedom, with Tepper allowing him total control over new hires to the coaching staff. The Panthers have also received praise for their front-office hires, with Tilis handling the salary cap and contract negotiations and general manager Dan Morgan serving as the team’s primary talent evaluator.
Despite starting the offseason with a bleak outlook, the Panthers have already made improvements and are building a model similar to the successful San Francisco 49ers.
