What the Hire of Dan Morgan Could Mean for the Coaching Search

Two names to watch in Carolina's head coaching search.

Author:
Schuyler Callihan
Jan 23, 2024 9:48 AM EST

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The Carolina Panthers checked off one box by hiring Dan Morgan as the team's GM on Monday and now, will turn its full focus to the head coaching search.

According to multiple reports, the Panthers plan to conduct a second interview with Cincinnati Bengals OC Brian Callahan, Panthers DC Ejiro Evero, Buccaneers OC Dave Canales, and Rams DC Raheem Morris for the head coaching positions.

We can now officially cross one of those candidates off the list as Callahan has agreed to become the next head coach of the Tennessee Titans.

Second interviews could be on the way for Ravens OC Todd Monken, Ravens DC Mike Macdonald, and Lions OC Ben Johnson but those are not allowed to take place during conference championship week.

With the hiring of Morgan as GM, which candidates could be pushed toward the top of the Panthers' list? That would be Dave Canales and Ejiro Evero, in my opinion.

Canales and Morgan spent eight seasons together in Seattle and have maintained a close relationship over the years. Canales has been praised multiple times by now former Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll for his rise in the industry and had a big impact on both the career resurrections of Geno Smith and Baker Mayfield.

Evero is viewed very highly inside the building and by many across the league. He's interviewing with Atlanta and Seattle a second time in addition to his second official meeting with David Tepper and Morgan about the job here in Carolina. What he's done in just two seasons as a defensive coordinator in the National Football League is remarkable. He navigated through two head coaching fires and finished with a pair of top 10 units.

Morgan knows how important Evero is to this franchise and understands he is just as ready to be a head coach as anyone available. Hiring Evero as the head coach may not be as flashy as Ben Johnson or Bobby Slowik, but he might just be the best guy for the job.