Sean Payton isn’t the only man the Carolina Panthers have called up their NFC South rivals about.
As first reported by NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport on Monday afternoon, the Panthers have requested permission to talk with New Orleans Saints defensive backs coach Kris Richard about their defensive coordinator position.
The #Panthers requested permission to speak with #Saints defensive backs coach Kris Richard for a possible defensive coordinator job, source said. They are conducting HC interviews and DC interviews concurrently. Richard likely will get others.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 16, 2023
The 43-year-old rose to a bit of prominence during his days in Seattle, a tenure that spanned from 2010 to 2017. There, with current Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer in the Seahawks’ front office at time, Richard served in a number positions—including as a cornerbacks coach, a defensive backs coach and a defensive coordinator.
He moved on to the Dallas Cowboys in 2018, as the team’s defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator for two seasons. His run with in New Orleans then began in 2021, where he’s also assumed the role of co-defensive coordinator.
Carolina, as far as locking down their defensive coordinator, has also expressed interest in New York Jets safeties coach Marquand Manuel and Philadelphia Eagles defensive consultant Vic Fangio.
