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NFL Head Coaching Predictions: Sean Payton Heads to AFC, Texans Reunite with a Familiar Face

By A.J. Fagerlin

Nov 14, 2021; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton during the first half against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2021; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton during the first half against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Shane Steichen, 2023 NFL Draft
Aug 19, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen in a game against the New England Patriots at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Pick Analysis. Offensive Coordinator. 87. Scouting Report. Philadelphia Eagles. Shane Steichen. 9. player

Yet another team who may be looking for a quarterback toward the top of the 2023 NFL Draft. The Carolina Panthers may be that team that gets the young, offensive mastermind to pair with their rookie gunslinger.

Under offensive coordinator Shane Steichen, the Philadelphia Eagles had one of the best rushing attacks in the NFL. The team led the league in rushing touchdowns (32) and was top five in rushing yards (2509). Surprisingly, even after trading away Christian McCaffery, the Panthers were a very effective rushing team, ranking in the top ten in rushing yards and just outside in rushing touchdowns. The offensive gameplan would not need to change much, and a reliable rushing attack will be essential to the growth and development of a young quarterback.

In addition to the run game, Steichen was clearly influential in Jalen Hurts’ breakout, MVP-caliber season, proving himself as a well-rounded quarterback. It remains to be seen how the offense will fair in the playoffs after their first-round bye, but they were certainly spectacular in the regular season.

The growth that Hurts showed as a passer this year was clear and evident. The scheme that Steichen has developed certainly helps, but Hurts’ noted development should be another feather in the cap of the young play-caller.

Whether they trade up in the 2023 NFL Draft for Bryce Young, land Will Levis or C.J. Stroud, take a chance on a polarizing player like Anthony Richardson (who Steichen could utilize a lot like Hurts) or they go in another direction at the quarterback position, Shane Steichen is the best option on the table for the Carolina Panthers.

My Panthers Pick: Ken Dorsey, Offensive Coordinator, Buffalo Bills

For this exercise, let’s assume Steichen is already off the table. The next best thing? Someone who has a history of working with Josh Allen. Ken Dorsey was the quarterbacks coach in Carolina when they made their Super Bowl run with Cam Newton, so he has a history of working with and getting the best out of quarterbacks. Especially if the Panthers draft Richardson in the 2023 NFL Draft, Dorsey could utilize him effectively moving forward.

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