According to a report by Chris Mortensen at ESPN, the Panthers have an interview scheduled with former Cowboys offensive coordinator Scott Linehan this weekend. He’s also lined up to speak with the Giants and Jaguars.
Linehan’s last job in the NFL was as the Dallas OC but he also has been a head coach. He led the Rams from 2006-2008, compiling a record of 11-25 before he was fired early in his third year after an 0-4 start.
While it’s not clear from Mortensen’s reporting what role he’s interviewing for, we can make an educated guess based on his history.
Most of Linehan’s experience has been working with wide receivers and quarterbacks. Before the Cowboys promoted him to offensive coordinator in 2015 he spent a year as their passing game coordinator. It’s a good bet that’s the position Linehan is interviewing for here.
The Panthers haven’t had one in the past, but Matt Rhule is doing things differently and will be using more specialization. For example, yesterday it was reported the team is rehiring former linebackers coach Al Holcomb to be their run defense game coordinator, a new position.
While adding Linehan to the staff wouldn’t exactly scream fresh thinking, it’s clear Rhule wants to balance out the relative inexperience of his coordinators at this level. Joe Brady has already been hired as the offensive coordinator and Phil Snow is expected to be announced as DC any day.
The Panthers are also interviewing two other former head coaches. According to the Athletic, both Mike McCoy and Ben McAdoo are in the running for the quarterbacks coach position.
