It’s entirely possible that the person who makes the decision on whether Cam Newton will return as a Carolina Panther in 2020 does not even have a placard in the office yet. And with team owner David Tepper refusing to look behind Rivera’s back for a new coach, it’s likely the future coach does not even know he’s under consideration.
There are a number of candidates currently in the NFL who would make a good fit for the Panthers. Tepper may want to start fresh, though. That could mean that college is the best place to begin the search.
Here’s a look at some of the top college coaching names Tepper could be considering over the next few weeks.
Lincoln Riley: Oklahoma
One of the more successful coaches in recent memory in college, Riley is the next big name in a league where younger, more progressive coaches such as Los Angeles’ Sean McVay, are beginning to take over the league. Riley took over the head coaching position for the Sooners in 2017 and has gone 30-5 since, only losing once to a team nationally ranked outside of the top three. Riley’s innovative schemes have helped bring success to quarterbacks such as Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray and Alabama outcast Jalen Hurts. Although his potential move from Oklahoma is uncertain, he remains the top option in college football for the foreseeable future.
Jim Harbaugh: Michigan
A familiar name to most, Harbaugh is no stranger to the NFL, having spent 18 years in the league first as a player then as a coach. Harbaugh even played for the Panthers briefly for six games in 2001. His four-year tenure as a head coach with the 49ers left him with a 44-19-1 record in the NFL. He has spent the last five years at Michigan, going 47-17. Although it’s unlikely he leaves Michigan in the near future, especially with a potential pay increase coming his way, it’s always possible he will return to the NFL in the future. And an attractive vacancy with a forward thinking owner like David Tepper may be just enough to lure him back to the pros. For what it’s worth, Harbaugh has the best odds to be Carolina’s next coach.
Matt Rhule: Baylor
At first glance, Rhule’s 47-41 record since he began in 2013 doesn’t inspire much hope. But after looking deeper, both of Rhule’s tenures at Temple then Baylor have started by taking over bad teams, having initially bad records in his first year (3-21 in his first year combined) and building a strong program. He’s gone 21-4 in his final year at both schools combined. Rhule’s name is beginning to stir in the NFL as Bowl season gets underway, and if the Panthers wanted to gain a competitive advantage by beginning the search early, Rhule could be the guy.
