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Panthers Named Top Landing Spot For Mike Tomlin
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- Panthers Named Top Landing Spot For Mike Tomlin
Panthers Named Top Landing Spot For Mike Tomlin
(Barry Reeger-Imagn Images)
The Carolina Panthers were able to make the playoffs last season, despite having a 8-9 record.
The NFC South has been one of the more inconsistent divisions across the NFL in recent years, giving teams a chance to win it each season. But heading into 2026, the Panthers are looking for more consistency from the group, wanting to build off the postseason appearance.
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With Bryce Young under center, Carolina has some work to do . But the team does have some confidence that they are heading in the right direction under head coach Dave Canales.
However, even with the postseason appearance last year, it seems that Canales could be on the chopping block. Carolina has been happy with Canales, but the team simply hasn't performed up to par under him.
One name that could make some sense for the Panthers, if Canales is let go, is Mike Tomlin. Tomlin is currently taking a year away from football after parting ways with the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason.
But many around the league believe that Tomlin could return in 2027. If he does, the Panthers could be an interesting option for the veteran coach.
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NFL analyst Moe Moton of Bleacher Report named the Panthers as a top landing spot for Tomlin next season.
"Tomlin has expertise on the defensive side of the ball and may be intrigued by the addition of Pro Bowl linebacker Devin Lloyd, edge-rusher Jaelan Phillips and rookie second-round defensive tackle Lee Hunter. The Panthers could also give him some say-so on how to handle the quarterback position. Lastly, Carolina plays in arguably the league's weakest division, which gives Tomlin a shot at a quick turnaround with immediate results," Moton wrote .
If Tomlin does return, whatever team would need to trade for him, since the Steelers still have his rights. But the Panthers may be interested in bringing in the talented head coach if Canales doesn't pan out.
With Pittsburgh, Tomlin went 193-144-2 in the regular season. In the playoffs, he had a record of 8-12, but he did lead them to a Super Bowl win.
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Tomlin may have better options than the Panthers, but Carolina could be interesting. They do have a younger team, and since they play in a poor division, it could make it easier to get into the playoffs.
Overall, Tomlin will first to have decide to return, but the Panthers would be a decent landing spot for him. But for now, Carolina will try to win with Canales, building upon last season.
