Matt Rhule has been hard at work filling in the open positions on his new coaching staff for the Carolina Panthers, and we are starting to see some more solid reports coming down the pipeline today. The first addition is Mike Phair, formerly defensive line coach for the Indianapolis Colts:
Source confirms Colts D line coach Mike Phair is joining the Carolina Panthers staff. First reported by @FootballScoop. Colts will be looking for a replacement at a key spot.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) January 13, 2020
Phair has spent time at a lot of different places over the years. He’s been with the Colts the past two seasons, but prior to that he was with Illinois University, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Chicago Bears, and Seattle Seahawks. At most stops along the way he has been the defensive line coach, and that appears to be the role he will fill in Carolina.
Additionally, it looks like Chase Blackburn is going to be retained as special teams coach:
More staff news: Panthers special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn has had multiple interviews with Matt Rhule and all signs point to him being retained, per source.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) January 13, 2020
More NYG ties: Blackburn was on the '12 team when Rhule on staff.
This is not surprising given Blackburn’s analytical and progressive approach to running special teams, and his youth and prominence as an up and coming coach. He also has excellent rapport with the players, having played in the NFL himself. Of all the coaches the Panthers could retain, I’m glad they’re keeping him around. Maybe we’ll finally get him an actual return man?