Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich talks on the field Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022, before a game against the Washington Commanders at Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Jenna Watson/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

Panthers reportedly pushed HC candidates to keep two assistants

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 1/30/23

While the Carolina Panthers were eager to move on from former head coach Matt Rhule, they reportedly wanted to hold onto a couple of assistant coaches from Rhule’s staff.

In a recent column for The Athletic, Panthers beat reporter Joseph Person reported that Panthers owner David Tepper and general manager Scott Fitterer suggested that whoever succeeded Rhule should retain two of his assistants.

“Tepper and Fitterer encouraged head-coaching candidates to retain offensive line coach James Campen and special teams coordinator Chris Tabor, according to league sources familiar with the discussions,” Person wrote.

The #Panthers plan to retain special teams coordinator Chris Tabor and offensive line coach James Campen, a source confirms. @josephperson had it first.
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) January 30, 2023

Carolina had the No. 15-ranked offensive line in 2022, according to Pro Football Focus, allowing just 36 sacks and paving the way for a running game that averaged 130 yards per game — 10th-best in the NFL.

The Panthers' special teams unit was among the best in the NFL. They made a league-high 94.3 percent of their field goals with the fifth-most makes (33). Carolina also ranked fourth in net punting (45.6 yards per punt), ninth in gross punting (48.5 yards per punt) and 10th in kick return average (24.1).

#Panthers interim defensive coordinator Al Holcomb will not return to Carolina as part of Frank Reich's staff, according to a league source.
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) January 31, 2023

The Panthers' official website confirmed that Reich, who was named the sixth head coach of the Panthers on Thursday, beating out several candidates including Kellen Moore, Sean Payton, Mike Kafka, Ken Dorsey, Ejiro Evero, Shane Steichen, Steve Wilks and Jim Caldwell, is beginning interviews for his staff.

“We’re committed to giving our team one of the best staffs in the NFL,” Reich said. “Mr. Tepper’s made that clear, that, ‘Hey, let’s bring in the very best, Frank. …You’ve got to vet everybody out. You’ve got to make sure you not only have the right person but that you have the right chemistry within the group. So, get the coordinators on board as fast as we can because I always want the coordinators involved in hiring the staff on their side of the ball. I think that’s important.”

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