Carolina Panthers Hire Former Giants HC Ben McAdoo As New Offensive Coordinator
Panthers head coach Matt Rhule appears to be temporarily off the hot-seat after hiring his latest offensive coordinator, former New York Giants head coach Ben McAdoo. NFL.com's Ian Rapoport announced McAdoo's addition on Friday.
Rhule's job security heading into the offseason — going 10-23 his first two years as coach — was contingent on his plan for a new OC to take over Joe Brady's role after he got the ax midseason.
Carolina appears to be on board with Rhule's vision by welcoming McAdoo, a former Giants OC that helped Eli Manning rebound from a turnover-prone slump after his second Super Bowl win.
McAdoo started in New York as offensive coordinator in 2014 after operating as quarterbacks coach for the Green Bay Packers. His inclusion to the Giants offense became most evident through Manning's improved performance, namely the decreased turnovers.
The season prior to McAdoo's arrival, Manning threw 27 picks. Calling the offense's plays was eight-year OC and buddy to the late Buddy Ryan, Kevin Gilbride.
For the following two seasons with McAdoo as his play-caller, Manning threw no more than 14 interceptions, tossing a combined 65 touchdowns in those two seasons.
McAdoo succeeded Tom Coughlin as Giants head coach in 2016 and took the team to the playoffs (11-5) for the first time since their 2011-2012 championship run. He was fired the following season after going 2-10 through 12 contests and spearheading the loathed decision to bench Manning as his production began to fade.
The Panthers hope that McAdoo can work his magic on potential franchise starter Sam Darnold, whose inconsistent play all season forced the coaching staff to opt Cam Newton in as the starter, and co-quarterback.
In 2021, Darnold completed 59.9 percent of his passes and tallied 2,527 passing yards, nine touchdowns and 13 interceptions.
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