Offensive Coordinator Options

[Mr. Scot]

So let's suppose that Ron Rivera is retained, but Mike Shula is let go.

 

Under those circumstances, who would be some potential options for the offensive coordinator position?

 

Here are a few possibilities, starting with the ones closest to home...

 

 

THE IN-HOUSE OPTIONS

 

JOHN RAMSDELL (bio)

Current Position: Senior Offensive Assistant, Carolina Panthers

Preferred System: Coryell Offense

Coaching Experience: 19 years

Age: 59

 

Fans have theorized that Ramsdell was brought aboard to potentially replace Mike Shula, though there's no real evidence to indicate this.  Ramsdell has never actually been an OC, but his list of former quarterback pupils includes impressive names like Kurt Warner and Philip Rivers.

 

JIM SKIPPER (bio)

Current Position: Runningback Coach, Carolina Panthers

Preferred System: Coryell Offense

Coaching Experience: 28 years

Age: 65

 

Skipper's never been an OC either.  He has been a head coach, but that was in the XFL so I wouldn't put too much stock in that.  He officially held the title of Assistant head Coach during some of his prior stint with the Panthers under John Fox.  Also working in his favor would be a prior familiarity with GM Dave Gettleman since Skipper spent five years as RB Coach with the Giants while Gettleman was Pro Personnel Director there.  Is up there in years, though. 

 

 

Moving on to guys from other teams that might be in line for a step up the ladder...

 

 

GUYS WHO COULD BE PROMOTED

 

RICK DENNISON (bio)

Current Position: Quarterback Coach, Baltimore Ravens

Preferred System: West Coast Offense

Coaching Experience: 20 years

Age: 56

 

Dennison has been joined at the hip to Ravens OC and former Texans Head Coach Gary Kubiak for a while.  He ran the Texans offense for a while when Kubiak was in charge there.  Worth noting that Dennison was working for the Broncos as an offensive assistant at the same time that Panthers GM Dave Gettleman was employed as a scout.  Good chance they're familiar with each other (also a reason why Kubiak could be considered a strong head coaching candidate if the Panthers part ways with Ron Rivera),

 

KEN ZAMPESE (bio)

Current Position: Quarterback Coach, Cincinnati Bengals

Preferred System: Coryell Offense

Coaching Experience: 11 years

Age: 47

 

Zampese was reportedly a candidate (and my preferred choice) to replace Dan Henning when the Panthers let him go (John Fox chose Jeff Davidson instead).  His father Ernie Zampese ran the Cowboys offense during their prominent years and taught Norv Turner everything he knows.  Son Ken has had some success coaching Andy Dalton.

 

GEEP CHRYST (bio)

Current Position: Quarterback Coach, San Francisco 49ers

Preferred System: Coryell Offense

Coaching Experience: 22 years

Age: 52 (estimated)

 

If this name sounds familiar, it should.  Chryst was a tight end/offensive quality control coach for the Panthers from 2006 to 2010.  Although he's currently working with a team that runs a WCO, Chryst's background is more Coryell.  he helped implement a no-huddle attack (run by Jim Harbaugh) that set records in San Diego.  Add in that he's got experience working with a mobile quarterback now thanks to his time in San Francisco.  Although he's got Panthers ties, he was a coach that Rivera allowed to walk (I was hoping we'd keep him) so unknown if Rivera would revisit this.  He did with Jim Skipper though, so there's that.

 

CLYDE CHRISTENSEN (bio)

Current Position: Quarterback Coach, Indianapolis Colts

Preferred System: West Coast Offense

Coaching Experience: 19 years

Age: 58

 

Gotta love what he's done with Andrew Luck, but this is also one of those instances where you ask "how much is him and how much is his star pupil?"  What I've read about how he coaches Luck gives me a lot of positive feelings.  His record when he's been an OC before though, not so much (granted he dealt with some bad situations his least year in Indy),  Seems like he'd be a more likely option if the team hired Pep Hamilton as head coach than he would if Rivera is retained.

 

BILL MUSGRAVE (bio)

Current Position: Quarterback Coach, Philadelphia Eagles

Preferred System: West Coast Offense

Coaching Experience: 20 years

Age: 47

 

Musgrave has a fairly successful resume as an offensive coordinator, but he also has an unfortunate history in Charlotte.  he served as Steve Beuerlein's quarterback coach during the high flying offensive year of 1999, but after being promoted  to the offensive coordinator job in 2000 on Gil Haskell's departure, Musgrave abruptly quit just four games into the season.  No real explanation for what happened is available that I know of.  He's been successful since then though and, obviously, few staff member remain from those days. 

 

OTHER POSSIBLE OPTIONS

 

MIKE MULARKEY: Tight Ends Coach, Tennessee Titans (bio)

- Successful history as an offensive mind, not so much as a head coach

 

AL SAUNDERS: Senior Offensive Assistant, Oakland Raiders (bio)

- Long time offensive guru, but up there in years (67)

 

GREG KNAPP: Quarterback Coach, Denver Broncos (bio)

- Was Vick's OC when Mora coached the Falcons, has bounced around a lot

 

ALEX VAN PELT: Quarterback Coach, Green Bay Packers (bio)

- Works in a successful system and has had good mentors but inexperienced; more likely option if the Panthers hired Tom Clements as head coach

 

BRIAN DABOLL: Tight Ends Coach, New England Patriots (bio)

- Has been an OC before and is part of a successful Patriots system, but his prior OC jobs have been nothing to write home about

 

 

Up next, some guys who might be unemployed next year because either they or their head coach is on the hot seat...

 

 

GUYS WHO MIGHT BE LOOKING FOR JOBS

 

MARC TRESTMAN (bio)

Current Position: Head Coach, Chicago Bears

Preferred System: West Coast Offense

Coaching Experience: 29 years

Age: 58

 

Trestman has a long history as an offensive coach and can name drop having worked with guys like Bill Walsh on his resume'.  He had fallen somewhat out of favor though and was out of the NFL from 2004 up till his hiring as Bears head coach in 2013.  He's still known as a solid offensive mind, but the Bears are kind of a mess right now (granted, so are we).

 

JAY GRUDEN (bio)

Current Position: Head Coach, Washington Redskins

Preferred System: West Coast Offense

Coaching Experience: 4 years in the NFL, 13 in Arena Football

Age: 47

 

Speaking of messes, the Redskins are a big one right now.  Given the environment there, it's unclear how much of that is Gruden's fault.  Granted, he had success in Cincinnati and he has a name that a lt of people like, but this one's still kind of 'out there' for me, especially given his lack of NFL coaching experience,

 

MARTY MORNHINWEG (bio)

Current Position: Offensive Coordinator, New York Jets

Preferred System: West Coast Offense

Coaching Experience: 29 years

Age: 52

 

I can hear the laughter even as you read the name, but reality is that Mornhinweg actually has been fairly successful as an OC.  Add in that the Jets are a dunpster fire (ask Mark Sanchez) so it's hard to judge.  Mornhinweg can also point to having worked under guys like Andy Reid and Steve Mariucci.  Just make sure he has no say in overtime coin tosses.

 

DIRK KOETTER (bio)

Current Position: Offensive Coordinator, Atlanta Falcons

Preferred System: Coryell Offense

Coaching Experience: 31 years

Age: 55

 

Koetter could come free if the Falcons decide to part ways with Mike Smith, though even with this year's disaster of a season I have a hard time seeing that happen.  He's another one who's kinda light on NFL coaching experience, but has generally been well thought of in the league for his work as both a QB coach and OC.  He's considered an innovative thinker and good playcaller and cuold be good for Cam Newton.  Again, if he came free (which I wouldn't bet on).

 

BRIAN SCHOTTENHEIMER (bio)

Current Position: Offensive Coordinator, Saint Louis Rams

Preferred System: West Coast Offense

Coaching Experience: 17 years

Age: 41

 

The youngest of the major options, though not the least experienced,  Schottenheimer has a known pedigree thanks to his dad and has even been considered a head coaching candidate at times.  The past few seasons have seen some of the shine come off his name though.  He'd be an option if the Rams part with jeff Fisher (possible, but not necessarily likely),

 

 

OTHER POSSIBLE OPTIONS

 

MATT CAVANAUGH: Quarterback Coach, Chicago Bears (bio)

- Has had come success in the past but career of late has been somewhat up and down

 

GREG OLSON: Offensive Coordinator, Oakland Raiders (bio)

- Another who's had his moments but whose overall career has been kind of a rollercoaster

 

BILL CALLAHAN: Offensive Coordinator, Offensive Line Coach, Dallas Cowboys (no bio)

- The last guy to coach the Raiders to a Super Bowl, but most would say his career is on the decline right now.  he is the Dallas OC in title only as Passing Game Coordinator Scott Linehan is the one who actually calls the plays.  Linehan might actually be a better option, but it's doubtful the Cowboys let him go at this point.

 

 

So who do you like?  (open to other suggestions too)

[bandu]

Norv Turner has a history with Ron Rivera being a key part of that success they shared in San Diego.so would there be any chance of Norv Turner returning to his home state and helping out an old friend.

[Mr. Scot]

Norv Turner has a history with Ron Rivera being a key part of that success they shared in San Diego.so would there be any chance of Norv Turner returning to his home state and helping out an old friend.

 

Turner is currently employed as the OC for the Minnesota Vikings, so no.

 

[prowler2k8]

My preferences:

 

THE IN-HOUSE OPTIONS

JOHN RAMSDELL (bio)

Current Position: Senior Offensive Assistant, Carolina Panthers

Preferred System: Coryell Offense

Coaching Experience: 19 years

Age: 59

Has a wealth of experience and would probably be a decent OC but I would prefer to retain him as a QB coach based on his resume. I would rather go with the two potential candidates listed below:

GUYS WHO COULD BE PROMOTED

GEEP CHRYST (bio)

Current Position: Quarterback Coach, San Francisco 49ers

Preferred System: Coryell Offense

Coaching Experience: 22 years

Age: 52 (estimated)

Is familiar with the Panthers’ organization and a wealth of experience with the Coryell offense.  Has no doubt added to his offensive knowledge working with Harbaugh and Kaepernick. His success in San Diego and implementation of the no-huddle are huge pluses. The wildcard would be whether Rivera stays or goes.

CLYDE CHRISTENSEN (bio)

Current Position: Quarterback Coach, Indianapolis Colts

Preferred System: West Coast Offense

Coaching Experience: 19 years

Age: 58

Loved the write-up you posted about him. His attention to details and preparedness. He also has a wealth of offensive experience and appears to be a good teacher, something Cam really needs.

[bandu]

Turner is currently employed as the OC for the Minnesota Vikings, so no.

alot like Ron Rivera,Mike Zimmer has been criticized for bad game management and inproper clock control there in Minnesota this year. one would only feel like his coaching seat to say the least would be considered warm at this point.

[WOW!!]

I would really want a OC who has been a HC before so he can help Ron with time management and preparation.

[Plewis]

I don't want Geep Chryst because of his name. What cruel parents. Was he born at a car dealership or something?

[bandu]

I would really want a OC who has been a HC before so he can help Ron with time management and preparation.

look at RR and Shula this year,it reminds me of the blind leading the blind.i have to agree that he needs someone with NFL HC experience at OC,

[Paa Langfart]

If Rivera isnt fired after this season we are friggin doomed anyway.  

 

 

Riveras scalp or bust.

[mc52beast]

Wouldn't be surprised if both are still coaching in Charlotte next year..

[WOW!!]

Wouldn't be surprised if both are still coaching in Charlotte next year..

Every Panthers beat writer is saying there is little to no chance Shula survives this season..

[Mr. Scot]

alot like Ron Rivera,Mike Zimmer has been criticized for bad game management and inproper clock control there in Minnesota this year. one would only feel like his coaching seat to say the least would be considered warm at this point.

 

Not in only his first year, and especially not given the Adrian Peterson fiasco.

 

 

I don't want Geep Chryst because of his name. What cruel parents. Was he born at a car dealership or something?

 

It's short for George Patrick, though you have to dig to find that.  Pretty much every bio of him lists him as Geep (pronounced 'Jeep' if I remember right).  His date of birth is apparently a state secret as I can't seem to find record of it anywhere.

 

Goofy name aside though, he's a good coach.

[panthers55]

Not in only his first year, and especially not given the Adrian Peterson fiasco.

It's short for George Patrick, though you have to dig to find that. Pretty much every bio of him lists him as Geep (pronounced 'Jeep' if I remember right). His date of birth is apparently a state secret as I can't seem to find record of it anywhere.

Goofy name aside though, he's a good coach.

I think he was well liked by the team and other coaches when he was here. I don't remember negative comments made by anyone. Still I suspect that we ought to be asking who Gettleman wants as an OC. He seems a very hands on guy and I see him having heavy input and potential veto power over who they bring in. making his own choice or at least having veto power if he doesn't agree. Didn't you do one on Gettlemans connections. Seems to me Newton's development would be of critical importance here. What OC could best continue Cams development process while bringing in a more robust system. Which system is Cam best suited for. I would think those would be among the biggest factors determining who we would pick.

[Mr. Scot]

I think he was well liked by the team and other coaches when he was here. I don't remember negative comments made by anyone. Still I suspect that we ought to be asking who Gettleman wants as an OC. He seems a very hands on guy and I see him having heavy input and potential veto power over who they bring in. making his own choice or at least having veto power if he doesn't agree. Didn't you do one on Gettlemans connections. Seems to me Newton's development would be of critical importance here. What OC could best continue Cams development process while bringing in a more robust system. Which system is Cam best suited for. I would think those would be among the biggest factors determining who we would pick.

 

I did one on Gettleman's head coaching connections, but you can extrapolate from there.

 

The first outside candidate I listed, Rick Dennison, was an offensive assistant with the Broncos (under OC Gary Kubiak) when Gettleman was working in Denver as a scout.  I put him at the top of that list primarily for that reason.