One of the greatest and most beloved players in Carolina Panthers history would have interest in filling the team’s head coaching vacancy if called upon, according to a new report.
On Monday, Panthers owner David Tepper announced that he had relieved head coach Frank Reich of his duties following Sunday’s 17-10 loss to the Tennessee Titans. Reich leaves Carolina with a 1-10 record, and special teams coordinator Chris Tabor will finish the season as interim HC.
According to Richard Deitsch and Joseph Person of The Athletic, former Panthers Pro Bowl tight end and current FOX analyst Greg Olsen would have interest to take over as Carolina’s new head coach if contacted:
“Ex-Carolina tight end Greg Olsen, the color analyst on Fox’s No. 1 NFL crew, would be interested in the Panthers’ vacancy if he were approached, according to sources close to Olsen who were granted anonymity so they could speak freely.
It would be a big leap considering Olsen’s coaching experience is limited to coaching his son’s Pop Warner team (incidentally, Panthers great Luke Kuechly has been the defensive coordinator for Olsen’s Pop Warner team for the past couple of years). But the 38-year-old has been immersed in the league since moving into broadcasting after he retired following the 2020 season.”
Olsen currently works as the analyst for FOX’s top NFL commentary team alongside play-by-play voice Kevin Burkhardt and sideline reporter Erin Andrews. However, retired quarterback Tom Brady is expected to take Olsen’s spot there when he begins his contract with FOX (presumably in 2024).
Olsen played for the Chicago Bears from 2007 to 2010 before getting traded to Carolina in 2011, where he enjoyed his best years. The three-time Pro Bowler led the Panthers to three NFC South division titles (2013, 2014, 2015), one Super Bowl appearance (in 2015) and a wild card berth (2017).
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Of course, Olsen also has zero experience as a coach. The Jeff Saturday-Indianapolis Colts controversy from last year should serve as a reminder to teams that hiring former players is awfully risky unless they have built up valuable experience, like DeMeco Ryans in Houston or Kevin O’Connell in Minnesota.
