Jim Harbaugh No-Brainer No. 1 Target in Panthers Head Coach Search

Filed under: Panthers, NFC South

The Charlotte Observer's Darin Gantt reported that the Panthers have asked for permission to talk with New York Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell and San Diego defensive coordinator Ron Rivera about the Panthers head coaching job.

The Chargers led the NFL in total defense and the Giants were in the top five most of the season before finishing seventh.

Fewell is African-American and would satisfy the league's mandate of giving a crack at jobs to minority candidates. He is also from Gastonia, N.C., which is a suburb of Charlotte.

Rivera played linebacker for Chicago's 1985 Super Bowl champions.

But the name that has to be first on the list is Jim Harbaugh, the Stanford coach. The Panthers need offense to revive their fan base and their franchise following a 2-14 season.

Harbaugh coached Stanford to a 12-1 season with the only loss to unbeaten Oregon. The Cardinal handled Virginia Tech, 40-12, in the Orange Bowl on Monday night.

What's more, Harbaugh could be enticed to come to Charlotte if the Panthers make it clear Andrew Luck, the Stanford quarterback, will be the first pick. If he is available the Panthers will pay him.

The Observer brought up the names of Rob Ryan, the Cleveland defensive coordinator, whose boss, Eric Mangini, was fired Monday.

 

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