Reports that Panthers have narrowed their coaching search to two finalists!

In some ways it’s been a strange hiring cycle. There are several jobs open (Carolina, Denver, Arizona, Indianapolis, and Houston), but none of those teams have yet to make a hire. In the past, it seems like it is a race to get “the” guy, who we all thought was Jim Harbaugh or Sean Payton, but teams are moving a bit more methodically this year. Perhaps they are waiting to see where the Sean Payton domino will fall, or they are trying to avoid making a rash hire that they will regret in a year.

Over the past eleven days, Carolina has interviewed several candidates for head coach. The most noteworthy are Steve Wilks, Frank Reich, Sean Payton, and Kellen Moore. All have at least had a second interview. Click here for the full list of candidates. Recent reports, however, indicate Carolina has narrowed their focus to two names, Steve Wilks and Frank Reich. Nothing official has dropped just yet, but the rumor mill is abuzz. In some ways, neither of these names should be all that surprising. Both have NFL head-coaching experience—unlike Matt Rhule. The one surprise, however, is Carolina’s rumored disinterest in Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator, Shane Steichen.

By Tony Dunn

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