RG3 Suggests Two College Coaches Among Five Candidates the Panthers 'Should Pursue'

Will the Panthers take Robert Griffin III's advice?

Author:
Schuyler Callihan
Nov 27, 2023 1:35 PM EST

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David Tepper made the decision to fire head coach Frank Reich on Monday morning and as you would expect, everyone is beginning to attach names to who should be the next head man in Carolina.

Some have thrown out Ejiro Evero (Panthers DC), Ben Johnson (Lions OC), Bobby Slowik (Texans OC), and Kellen Moore (Chargers OC). Robert Griffin III of ESPN went the more unconventional route. He suggests the Panthers look at Miami Dolphins OC Frank Smith, Washington Commanders OC Eric Bieniemy, Philadelphia Eagles OC Brian Johnson, and a pair of college head coaches - Michigan's Jim Harbaugh and Alabama's Nick Saban.

"Jim Harbaugh brings toughness, which this Panthers team needs, and a willingness to do whatever it takes to win. He will put his QB in the best position to succeed, build the offense around him and emphasize a smothering defense.
"Nick Saban got the best out of Bryce in College. Although he is one of the greatest all-time college coaches, his NFL stint wasn’t ideal. Maybe his Heisman-winning QB can get him to make the leap again. Intriguing, but I don’t see why he would go to NFL at his current age.
"Brian Johnson is another innovative mind who has helped the Eagles get to 10-1 with an offense that shifts and molds itself weekly to be whatever it needs to be to win. He understands how to get the most out of a young-mobile QB and out scheme defenses.
"Miami Dolphins OC Frank Smith is an innovative mind who has worked with a QB who isn’t a giant and leans on his anticipation as a passer. Bryce Young also brings his ability to extend plays to the table. Getting Bryce some help on the OL and a #1 WR like they did Tua would help."

Going to the college ranks is something Tepper has done before, hiring Matt Rhule away from Baylor. Although it didn't work out, Tepper didn't necessarily shut down the idea of ever hiring another college coach when asked about it a year ago.

"I'm not going to generally rule that out. On the other hand, there is a history of successful coaches in the NFL. You can look it up. Every fan can look it up. I'm aware of what that is and I have to be cognizant and pay attention to that."

During his search for a coach last year, Tepper had a conversation with Jim Harbaugh about the job according to ESPN, but it was not characterized as an interview. With the ongoing situation regarding Harbaugh and Michigan, it seems more likely than ever than Harbaugh makes his return to the NFL.

As for RG3's other college suggestion, Nick Saban, that seems more far-fetched. Saban, 72, is nearing the end of his coaching career and I'm not sure he would leave the powerhouse he's built at Alabama for another job, much less for the mess that exists in Carolina.