Tom Pelissero of NFL Media reports that the Panthers have fired multiple assistant coaches on Monday including DL coach Brady Hoke and CBs coach Jeff Imamura.
The Panthers have already confirmed the news:
“In my judgment, I felt this was best for the team moving forward,” HC Ron Rivera said. “These are always difficult decisions, and I thank Brady and Jeff for their hard work.
Some other changes for the Panthers include Rivera taking over as defensive play caller, Eric Washington will oversee the defensive front seven, Sam Mills III will lead defensive line and Rivera will work with Richard Rodgers in secondary.
A report from Sunday mentioned that Panthers owner David Tepper is mulling major changes if the team keeps losing, so it possible that Rivera is starting to feel the pressure.
Hoke, 60, began his coaching career back in 1981 as the defensive coordinator for Yorkton (IN) high school. Hoke spent two years in that position before joining Grand Valley State as their defensive coordinator.
Hoke had stints at Western Michigan, Toledo, Oregon State, Michigan, Ball State and San Diego State before Michigan hired him as their head coach in 2011. He spent four years at Michigan before he was fired after the 2014 season.
Hoke has worked for Oregon and Tennessee before agreeing to become the Panthers’ DL coach this past January.
During his head-coaching stint with at Michigan, Hoke led them to a record of 31-20 (60.78 percent) and one Bowl win.
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There will definitely be changes in Carolina at season’s end. With new ownership, always comes new changes to the entire franchise. Don’t be surprised if Cam Newton becomes a NYG in 2019. Remember! Gettleman was the GM in Carolina who gave Newton his current contract. Newton’s current deal has a dead cap hit in 2019 of $8.5M. With 2 years at around $43M remaining on Newton’s contract for the 2019 & 2020 seasons. The NYGs could lessen that hit tremendously, with a new 5-6 year deal. Take into consideration Newton is only 29 years old.
My guess is it would be Evan Engram and a pick to get Newton. Remember! Devin Funchess is a FA and Greg Olsen will most likely retire. Curtis Samuel, Christian McCaffrey and Evan Engram would be a really good offensive nucleus to build around in Carolina.