Panthers 2023 head coach interview tracker: Jim Caldwell, Mike Kafka among early candidates

The Panthers decided long ago that Matt Rhule wouldn't be coaching them into the future, dismissing the former big-name hire in October. Now, they're trying to decide whether his replacement, interim Steve Wilks, deserves the permanent job. Days after the conclusion of their 2022 season, the Panthers have begun their search for a new coach in earnest, conducting or scheduling at least a half-dozen interviews with candidates both internal and external.

Here's a running list of the 2023 candidates who've spoken with -- or are scheduled to speak with -- the Panthers:

Wilks, 53, notably led the Panthers to a 6-6 record after replacing Rhule this year, keeping Carolina in contention for the NFC South title. He originally rejoined the team in 2022 as a defensive passing game coordinator and secondary coach, and has spent a combined seven years with the franchise, previously manning multiple roles, including assistant head coach, from 2012-2017. His last experience as a full-time head coach came with the Cardinals in 2018, when he went 3-13 before his dismissal.

Caldwell, 67, has spent the last three seasons out of the NFL but remained a popular target. Last seen as the Dolphins' assistant head coach in 2019, he's best known for separate stints with the Colts and Lions. A longtime right-hand man to Tony Dungy in Indianapolis, Caldwell replaced the legendary coach in 2009, quickly advancing to the Super Bowl but exiting after three years just as Peyton Manning departed. He went 36-28 as Detroit's head coach from 2014-2017, guiding two playoff appearances.

Dorsey, 41, has been a fast riser in Buffalo, going from QBs coach to passing game coordinator to offensive coordinator in a matter of four years, helping oversee Josh Allen's growth as an MVP candidate. Prior to that, the former backup QB spent five years as the Panthers' QBs coach under Ron Rivera, instructing Cam Newton during his own MVP and Super Bowl bid.

Steichen, 37, has been Nick Sirianni's primary play-caller for most of their two seasons together, overseeing incremental -- and then seismic -- growth from QB Jalen Hurts and the Eagles' offense. Prior to Philadelphia, he spent 10 of his 11 seasons as an NFL coach with the Chargers, most notably as the offensive coordinator for Justin Herbert during the QB's rookie year.

Kafka, 35, is the next potential prize of the Andy Reid coaching tree, first playing under Reid as a backup Eagles QB from 2010-2011, then joining the coaching ranks as a Chiefs assistant in 2017. He was Patrick Mahomes' position coach during the QB's first two seasons as a starter, then landed his first coordinator role under Brian Daboll, overseeing Daniel Jones' emergence.

Johnson, 36, has spent the last four years with the Lions, going from tight ends coach (2020-2021) to offensive coordinator under Dan Campbell, and guiding a top-five offensive finish for Detroit this year.

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