The Carolina Panthers are not messing around after losing in the NFC Wildcard Playoffs to the division-rival New Orleans Saints this past weekend.
Mere days after their season came to a conclusion, the Panthers announced that they have fired offensive coordinator Mike Shula and quarterbacks coach Ken Dorsey.
“Panthers offensive coordinator Mike Shula and quarterbacks coach Ken Dorsey have been relieved of their duties,” the team announced, via its official website.
Shula has been the Panthers’ offensive coordinator since the 2013 season, leading the NFL’s No. 1 scoring offense during the team’s run to the Super Bowl back in 2015. Though, it’s been downhill since. Carolina failed to finish in the top 10 in scoring offense in each of the past two seasons and ranked 19th in total yards each season during that span.
Dorsey, a former NFL quarterback, has coached that position in Carolina each of the past five seasons, working directly with former league MVP Cam Newton.
It’s a clear indication that a defensive-minded head coach in Ron Rivera is looking to create a different philosophy on offense. That’s probably a good idea considering that side of the ball wasn’t as consistent as it needed to be in 2016 and 2017.