Given coach Ron Rivera’s hiring history, it’s almost certain he’s going to hire someone he knows well and has worked with before.
So I wouldn’t expect Rivera to wait long to replace offensive coordinator Mike Shula, who was fired Tuesday after five seasons leading the Panthers’ offense.
And I’d bet Norv Turner is at the top of the list.
Turner, who hired Rivera in San Diego, also happens to be available after stepping down as the Vikings’ offensive coordinator late last season. He also has two family members already on Rivera’s staff – his brother, Ron, an offensive consultant, and nephew Cameron, the assistant quarterbacks coach.