Carolina Panthers interested in Pat Shurmur

According to a league source close to Charlotte Observer beat writer Joe Person, the Carolina Panthers are interested in recently fired Cleveland Browns head coach Pat Shurmur as an option for the offensive coordinator vacancy left by Rob Chudzinksi. That would be an interesting hire, because it would bring things full circle for the Browns and Panthers. Chudzinksi used to work with the Browns as an offensive coordinator before moving to Carolina, and he is now back with the Browns as a head coach.

Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

Shurmur’s last post as an offensive coordinator came with the St. Louis Rams, and there are some doubts as to whether or not he can develop a young quarterback.

The Panthers asked the Cincinnati Bengals to interview Hue Jackson, and Jackson is a boom-or-bust OC candidate due to his propensity to get the job done and ruffle too many feathers along the way. His headstrong, outspoken personality probably doesn’t mesh well with Cam Newton, and the biggest loss for the Panthers is the fact that Chud was a huge mentor for Newton and helped set the young QB on the right path. Jackson, despite having a similar offensive scheme as Chud to keep schematic continuity, would break the emotional continuity in the Panthers organization.

Shurmur is a more timid coach who is less of a risk, but he also presents a little less reward. Even so, I think he fits Newton’s style better and would be a better hire for the Panthers. Neither former head coach is the greatest candidate for the offensive coordinator hole, but they certainly aren’t bad candidates either.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter @SorianoJoe.