Al

Holcomb

Holcomb took over as the Panthers’ interim defensive coordinator when Phil Snow was fired mid-season. Carolina has a pending request for an interview with Jets safeties coach Marquand Manuel, so it looks like Holcomb’s tenure with the Panthers is over. Knowing this, Atlanta is getting ahead by seeking an interview with a potential free agent in the coaching landscape. Holcomb previously served as the Cardinals’ defensive coordinator in 2018.

Holcomb will replace Phil Snow, who was fired along with HC Matt Rhule on Monday. Holcomb served as defensive coordinator under new HC Steve Wilks when Wilks was the head coach of the Cardinals in 2018. He will work with Wilks in the same capacity as they try and better the 3-13 result from Wilks’ first head coaching opportunity.

The Panthers will be a brand new defense in 2020 without long-time stalwart Luke Kuechly in the middle. The decision to add Holcomb was probably necessary considering just how bad this run defense was in 2019. Overall, the Panthers allowed 31 rushing touchdowns; nobody else gave up more than 23.

Holcomb reunites with DC Steve Wilks. Wilks was the Cardinals’ coach last season while Holcomb was his defensive coordinator. The tandem will go back to their traditional roles as coordinator and position coach.

Holcomb spent the last five years working with Steve Wilks as the Panthers’ linebackers coach. His background is in 4-3 schemes, but the Cardinals could remain a 3-4 base this season. Wilks will likely call plays on defense, so Holcomb should focus on game-planning in his first year as coordinator.