Carolina Panthers fans have been in search of one thing since the departure of former head coach John Fox 14 years ago: a modern offense. The definition of that term has evolved in that time as coaches like Sean McVay, Andy Reid, and Kyle Shanahan have driven offensive innovation to multiple Super Bowl appearances and, for some of them, victories.
Meanwhile, the Panthers have stalled their own progress while searching for replacement pieces at wide receiver and left tackle, while mostly ignoring that philosophy—not talent—is the core of enduring success in the NFL. Player careers only ever last so long, but coaches can be the foundation of dynasties.