Sgt John
Sith Lord of T&A
John Fox has been coaching the Carolina Panthers since 2002, and has had his share of ups and downs. From the glorious 2003 season in which the Panthers came within a field goal of upending the mighty New England Patriots, to the 0-5 start to this season that almost certainly has sealed his fate, Fox has seen it all. The consensus among many NFL experts is that Fox is done in Carolina after this season, and with Fox in the final year of his contract that seems logical. Assuming that the Panthers go in a new direction, who are the best candidates to fill that potential opening in Carolina? Here are five potential solutions along with why they would be a good fit:
Bill Cowher (former Pittsburgh Steelers coach and current CBS Sports analyst)
Why He Would Work:
Without a doubt, Cowher would be the ultimate solution for the Carolina Panthers in the clubhouse. The players would instantly rally to him and his legacy is sterling gold. The Panthers have always placed a premium on class, and Cowher fits the bill well. He has a very similar philosophy on offense and defense, and the transition under Cowher would be a smooth one. He is known for making the most of young talent, and he certainly would be an upgrade in evaluating wide receiver and quarterback talent in Carolina. Cowher also lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, and that can only enhance the possibility of his signing.
Why He Would Not Work:
While Cowher would be the ultimate fit in Carolina, it is not likely to happen. Cowher simply would cost too much, as owner Jerry Richardson is in the middle of reducing payroll across the board. There is that possibility that Richardson is cutting payroll now to sign a high profile coach like Cowher, but that would be against his general philosophy. The other primary issue is that Cowher would demand the reins in all areas and phases of the franchise. Richardson is notorious for keeping control over personnel, and 2010 is a perfect example with the youth movement he implemented. Cowher would not find that attractive. Finally, Cowher is still claiming that he has no interest in coaching again, though many think that is a front.
Jon Gruden (former Tampa Bay Bucs coach and current Monday Night Football analyst)
Why He Would Work:
Gruden has long been rumored to be interested in the Carolina job, and he would be an awesome fit as well. The youngest head coach to ever win a Super Bowl, Gruden is a hard nosed and defensive minded coach that would whip the young Panthers into shape quickly. Gruden is well known to the Panthers having been an opposing coach for many years in Tampa Bay. Gruden would be extremely popular in the Carolinas, and a welcome addition to the franchise.
Why He Would Not Work:
Gruden is not likely to work for the exact same reason that Cowher would not. Control of the franchise and money are likely to prevent him from coming to Carolina. While he is officially not looking to coach, most NFL experts consider him likely to coach again because he is so young.
Gruden may have more high profile options out there than Carolina, but he would be a great fit overall.
Leslie Frazier (Current Minnesota Vikings Defensive Coordinator)
Why He Would Work:
Frazier is one of the hottest commodities on the market as a defensive wizard. This former Chicago Bears Super Bowl Champion has a nose for defense and that would fit in beautifully with the Panthers. Carolina likes defense, and Frazier is perhaps the best option out there that is not named Gruden or Cowher. Frazier would not come cheaply, but he would be loads cheaper than Gruden or Cowher would. Richardson likes him, and he would likely mold to what Jerry wants. That should not be understated as we approach a possible lock out.
Why He Would Not Work:
Frazier is a bit of an unknown in the coaching ranks, having never been the head honcho. That is pretty much against Richardson's philosophy as a rule, and hurts his chances. Frazier is proven as a brilliant defensive coordinator, but his knowledge on the offensive side of the ball is unproven. That is currently the Panthers biggest issue, and a strong offensive mind is really needed. Also, how well Frazier can evaluate talent on the offensive side of the ball is in question.
Still, a good offensive coordinator can work wonders for that problem and Frazier would surely be a logical choice for that reason.
Jim Harbaugh (Former NFL Player and Current Stanford Head Coach)
Why He Would Work:
Harbaugh actually played with Carolina during the last part of his career, and he is well known to the league and Richardson. His days as a quarterback certainly enhances his knowledge of the game, and he seems a good fit to right the offensive woes. Harbaugh is a solid choice that would likely be popular in Carolina, and he almost certainly would do as directed by the brass. Harbaugh would be much more inclined to develop the quarterbacks and receivers properly, and would be a good coach for youngsters Matt Moore and Jimmy Clausen. He also would be a relative bargain as far as cost.
Why He Would Not Work:
Harbaugh is completely unproven as an NFL coach. In 2002-03, Harbaugh coached the Oakland Raiders quarterbacks but had an established star in Rich Gannon. This showed little of his coaching potential, but it was enough to get him a head coaching position at the University of San Diego. His success in the college ranks is solid, however. Harbaugh would also be a bad choice because he is quite happy with Stanford.
His brother John is the head coach for the Baltimore Ravens, and Jim would be a great fit in Carolina if he is so inclined.
Ron Meeks (Former CFL Player and Current Carolina Panthers Defensive Coordinator)
Why He Would Work:
Meeks is the primary in house option for the Panthers and almost certainly will get some consideration. Meeks is doing a bang up job with the Panther defense and is certainly in line for a head coaching job somewhere. Richardson is also likely to realize that if the Panthers do not sign him as a head coach, he is likely going to end up elsewhere sooner rather than later in that position. Given his propensity to save money and have coaches he can control, Richardson is likely looking hard at Meeks. Meeks is also well liked by the current players and staff, and would be a seamless transition to head coach.
Why He Would Not Work:
Inexperience is about the only boon against Meeks, but his resume is sterling dating back to 1984 in a stint with Arkansas State. While not a head coach in the NFL, Meeks is almost certainly due that shot. Someone will give it to him if not Richardson in Carolina, though some wonder why he has never been in that position before after so long in the league as an assistant and coordinator.
Though many want a high profile coach such as Gruden or Cowher in Carolina, the more likely choices would be Meeks or Frazier, if only for the money and control that would remain with Jerry Richardson. It remains to be seen, but my money would be on Meeks at this point.
Interesting read by Southern off Yahoo Sports.