Back to the Carolina Panthers Newsfeed

Q&A: Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott has high expectations

With the Carolina Panthers’ success in 2015, Ron Rivera kept his staff nearly entirely intact.

The returning coaches – assistant special teams coach Russ Purnell was the only one who was not retained – include offensive coordinator Mike Shula and Sean McDermott, who has been with Rivera since he was hired before the 2011 season.

McDermott, 42, is the only coordinator to oversee a top-10 defense the past four seasons.

During a recent, 20-minute interview with the Observer, McDermott discussed a variety of topics, including Josh Norman’s departure, the development of the three rookie cornerbacks and Luke Kuechly’s recovery from offseason shoulder surgery.