Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper might’ve gotten his guy in Frank Reich. But in a lesson learned from his last “guy,” this one seemingly won’t have as much power.
On Sunday night, CBS Sports senior NFL insider Josina Anderson dished out a few details regarding the team’s search for a defensive coordinator. In addition to noting Carolina’s lack of confidence in landing Vic Fangio—the hottest candidate on the market—Anderson tweeted that there’s a bit of a disagreement on preferences between ownership and their new head coach.
Now that I'm done covering the NFCCG I can circle back to this: Vic Fangio has been the top candidate in Miami, receiving strong consideration from the beginning, as stated on my TL (scroll back). #Panthers ownership has been interested in Marquand Manuel in the wake of [Cont] https://t.co/C6ATk2C0Iw
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) January 30, 2023
Steve Wilks' departure and Vic Fangio. I’m told initially Frank Reich also expressed interest in Gus Bradley—not ownership’s top preference. Then I’m told the pursuit of Fangio heated up for Coach Reich and the team and Carolina had the understanding that they’d have to [Cont].
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) January 30, 2023
Bradley, the current defensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts, was brought into his post by Reich in 2022. The 56-year-old did a fair job under the tumultuous circumstances from this past season, heading a unit that finished 16th in total defense.
The team’s ownership, however, may be leaning towards New York Jets safeties coach Marquand Manuel—who was one of three men to already talk with the Panthers about the vacancy.
Meanwhile, I'm told the #Panthers have maintained interest In Marquand Manuel as well, per league source.
I'm also told Manuel's name has been included in discussions in Houston to potentially join DeMeco Ryans' staff, if Ryans joins the #Texans, per league source.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) January 30, 2023
ESPN senior NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler reported on Friday night that Manuel impressed Carolina in his interview, which took place before the official hiring of Reich. But, as of now, the situations for the Panthers and their prospective candidates—Fangio, Bradley, Manuel and all—remain quite fluid.
