Reports out of Carolina say Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell is a very strong candidate for the Panthers’ head-coaching vacancy, perhaps the favorite to replace John Fox, who was fired after nine years leading the team.
That could make for a fascinating scenario: Could Fox replace Fewell with the Giants?
Stranger things have happened. Fewell has attracted interest from four NFL teams looking for head coaches: the Browns, 49ers and Broncos in addition to the Panthers. Some of this interest might be based on the NFL’s Rooney Rule, which stipulates a minority candidate must be interviewed before anyone is hired.
According to the Charlotte Observer, Fewell met Thursday with Panthers executives Marty Hurney and Danny Morrison. Fewell is a North Carolina native, born in Gastonia, raised in Cramerton, and he stayed in state to attend Lenoir-Rhyne College.
The Panthers have four candidates for the job, all defensive coordinators: Fewell, Ron Rivera (Chargers), Rob Ryan (Browns) and Greg Manusky (49ers).
Fewell is scheduled to meet Sunday with the Broncos. If he leaves and the Giants are in the market for a new defensive coordinator it is unlikely Coughlin will promote from within, given how poorly that went with Bill Sheridan in 2009.
Fox certainly will be considered for head-coaching openings around the league but he might get shut out. Accepting a coordinator position might be his only way to stay in the league in 2011.
Fox ran the Giants defense from 1997-2001 and continues to have great support from upper management and ownership. Given that Coughlin will be 65 years old by the start of this coming season, Fox could view this is a chance to put in his time and perhaps replace Coughlin after he retires.