Predicting NFC South head coaches in 2023
Atlanta Falcons: Arthur Smith
Unless the Falcons feel like they are getting the no. 1 coach in the land, whoever that may be, what right would they have to move on from Arthur Smith right now? Smith seemingly did an outstanding job this season with Marcus Mariota given the circumstances. When your plan going into a season, however, is Mariota and third-round pick Desmond Ridder at QB?
How is that on Arthur Smith?
My guess is, the Falcons have a plan in place to go after a long-term option at the QB position, and we’ll see that come to fruition soon. The vision with Smith at the helm has yet to be carried out and this team was in a long-term rebuild when Smith was hired.
Carolina Panthers: Frank Reich (replacing interim Steve Wilks)
I’ve been toying with this one a bit, because I could really see Steve Wilks getting another shot in Carolina with the job he has done in the second half of the 2022 season. It hasn’t been perfect, but neither have the circumstances for Wilks.
The Panthers traded away star running back Christian McCaffrey. They sent Robbie Anderson packing to Arizona. Steve Wilks helped guide this team through a very rocky time and the Panthers nearly made the postseason despite all their issues and flaws.
The Panthers will almost undoubtedly want their next head coach to groom the next franchise quarterback and we’ve seen Frank Reich do that in previous NFL stops. Reich once suited up for the Panthers as a player and his career arc could come full circle if he is hired as the Panthers’ next head coach.