The Carolina Panthers need a new head coach, and the latest NFL rumors suggest that an old friend might be willing to take the job. In other news, Baltimore Ravens edge defender David Ojabo underwent surgery, and Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski gave an update on injured quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson.
NFL Rumors: Panthers Coaching Search, David Ojabo, Dorian Thompson-Robinson
Panthers Rumors: Greg Olsen Interested In Head Coaching Position
For the second time in as many years, the Carolina Panthers have fired a head coach midway through the season. The Panthers will have to once again look for somebody to guide this team into the future, but the latest rumors suggest they might not have to look too far.
According to The Athletic, longtime Panthers tight end and current FOX analyst Greg Olsen would be interested in the head coaching job if it was offered to him. Olsen, of course, spent nine years with the organization, establishing himself as one of the best tight ends in franchise history and playing a major role in the team’s 15-1 season back in 2015.
However, while Olsen might be an on-field legend, he has never coached at the professional or collegiate level. This lack of experience didn’t stop Jim Irsay from hiring Jeff Saturday as an interim head coach, but it’s hard to see another owner making a similar decision. Although, with no first-round pick and a seemingly endless list of needs on the roster, the Panthers might not have too many guys willing to take the job.
David Ojabo Officially Done For the Season
The Baltimore Ravens entered the season expecting big things from second-year edge rusher David Ojabo. Unfortunately, the injury bug struck for the second consecutive season, as the talented pass rusher is officially done for the season.
Ojabo originally suffered a knee injury back in late September and landed on the injured reserve. However, despite the designation, the team remained optimistic that he could come back at some point in the season. However, head coach Jim Harbaugh recently announced that this will not happen, as the former second-round pick underwent surgery to repair a partially torn ACL.
The good news is that Ojabo should be ready for the start of the 2024 season. When healthy, the pass rusher has the potential to be one of the best players in the game. Leading up to the 2022 NFL Draft, most expected the Michigan product to be a top-15 selection. However, he suffered an Achilles injury at his Pro Day, causing him to fall into the second round. If he can recapture his old form, then perhaps the Ravens can finally get a solid return on investment in 2024.
Kevin Stefanski Gives Update on Dorian Thompson-Robinson
No matter who is actually under center, the Cleveland Browns quarterbacks simply cannot stay healthy. While filling in for the injured Deshaun Watson, rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson suffered a concussion against the Denver Broncos. If healthy, he will start in Week 13, but head coach Kevin Stefanski wasn’t ready to make any definitive statements about the rookie.
“I think with all our players that we get during the season – Obviously, you work with them in the meeting room, out on the practice field and see where they are. We’ll see where this week goes based on, obviously, Dorian’s health.”
If Thompson-Robinson is unable to suit up on Sunday, then the Browns will have to turn to either P.J. Walker or Joe Flacco. Walker has not played well in 2023, completing just 48.6% of his passes for 674 yards, one touchdown, and five interceptions in six games (two starts). Flacco, meanwhile, has yet to play a snap this season.
Main Photo: Denny Medley – USA Today Sports
