Report: Mike McCarthy impressed Panthers, got second interview

Mike McCarthy is among a list of potential head coaching candidates with whom the Carolina Panthers have already spoken, and he may be emerging as an early frontrunner for the job.

McCarthy interviewed with the Panthers following their game against the Indianapolis Colts last week, and Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that he has had two interviews with the team. Rapoport also notes that McCarthy “did very well.”

The Panthers have some other big names on their list as well, but they need to wait a bit before they can interview them. Josh McDaniels will once again be a hot name in head coaching talks, and Carolina would like to interview him. They are also interested in Baylor head coach Matt Rhule, who is preparing to take on Georgia in the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day.

McCarthy and Panthers owner David Tepper both hail from Pittsburgh, and Tepper has deep ties to the city. McCarthy has an impressive 125-77-2 record as an NFL head coach, and he won a Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers. There were some unflattering reports about him after he parted ways with the team, but it would not be a surprise if he lands another head coaching job for 2020.