With Dave Canales taking over as Panthers HC, Thomas Brown‘s stint with the team can be labeled a one-and-done. Carolina’s most recent play-caller continues to draw interest for other coordinator posts, however.
Brown met with the Patriots about their OC vacancy, CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones notes. Working to replace Bill O’Brien as their play-caller, the Pats are also targeting the increasingly popular Lions coaching staff. They are planning to interview Detroit pass-game coordinator Tanner Engstrand for the position, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport tweets. This will be Engstrand’s first coordinator interview.
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Although Brown is still under contract with the Panthers, it would surprise if the team did not release the former Rams assistant from that deal. Brown, whose Carolina tenure included a 2-15 record and some behind-the-scenes unrest, finished the season as the Panthers’ play-caller. But Frank Reich also took back play-calling reins after initially giving them to Brown. The Panthers’ attempt to blend Reich concepts with Sean McVay‘s system backfired, and the team is starting over under Canalas, who signed a six-year deal.
The Steelers have also met with Brown, whose stock could be elevated as a former McVay staffer due to Zac Robinson — a hot name on the OC carousel early — being closely linked to the now-open Falcons OC job. The Los Angeles-based QBs coach has been connected to following Raheem Morris to Atlanta. This would take a third name out of the mix for the Patriots, who have seen targets Dan Pitcher and Shane Waldron hired elsewhere. The Pats are looking for their fourth OC in four seasons, with position lacking stability following Josh McDaniels‘ exit.
Dan Campbell retained Engstrand, 41, from the Matt Patricia staff, though this is his first season as the team’s pass-game coordinator. The 2020 Detroit hire coached the team’s tight ends from 2020-22. Engstrand joins OC Ben Johnson and DC Aaron Glenn as staffers in play to leave the Motor City due to the success Campbell’s team has achieved in his third season.
If Ben Johnson gets the HC for Commanders, I’d look for Engstrand to become Detroit’s new OC.
I thought this at first too–really all season–but (admittedly as an outsider like all of us) I’m beginning to think that Scottie Montgomery would get a serious look from Campbell. Also Campbell is VERY high on Steve Heiden, the TE coach they poached from the Cardinals. They went out of their way to add Heiden to the staff even when it was already full, opting to then rearrange the assignments/titles to get Heiden in.
Assuming all stay, I’d put next odds at Montgomery/Engstrand each 35%, Heiden 15% and “outside” hire 15%, keeping in mind that Dan Campbell may very well promote from within and call plays HIMSELF, like he did post-Lynn firing.
I also would keep eye on Duce Staley, who just took a RB coach position with Cleveland after being let go from Carolina with all the other coaches there. He left on good terms.
[Also, on the Longshot chance that Glenn got the ‘Hawks job, I think it’s like 85% that Sheppard the LB coach would be elevated to DC]