NFC South Notes: Panthers, Falcons, Saints..

NFC South Notes: Panthers, Falcons, Saints..

 

In NFC South updates, the Carolina Panthers have solidified their coaching staff under new head coach Dave Canales, completing their coordinator lineup with the addition of Tracy Smith as the special teams coordinator. Smith, who previously served as the Seahawks’ assistant special teams coach, joins the Panthers alongside offensive coordinator Brad Idzik, both of whom have a history with Canales and have previously worked together in Seattle and Tampa Bay. Smith brings with him a wealth of experience, having been part of the Seahawks’ special teams unit, which has consistently ranked among the league’s best over the past few seasons. With the Panthers boasting a formidable defense under coordinator Ejiro Evero, the team is optimistic that the new coaching staff assembled by Canales will yield positive results for the upcoming 2024 season.

Furthermore, the Panthers have made another significant addition to their coaching staff by appointing Will Harriger as the quarterbacks coach, aiming to provide guidance to second-year quarterback Bryce Young. Harriger, previously a quality control coach and offensive assistant in Dallas, shares a professional history with Canales from their tenure in Seattle.

In other news within the NFC South, both the New Orleans Saints and the Atlanta Falcons have made adjustments to their quarterbacks coaching staff. The Falcons have enlisted D.J. Williams, a former offensive assistant with the Saints, to take on the role of quarterbacks coach. Williams, the son of NFL veteran Doug Williams, brings a wealth of football knowledge to the position. Meanwhile, the Saints have hired Andrew Janocko as their quarterbacks coach, with Janocko most recently serving in a similar capacity with the Chicago Bears and having previous experience with the Minnesota Vikings.

Finally, the Panthers are parting ways with Taylor Rajack, their senior director of football strategy and analytics, as reported by Seth Walder of ESPN. Rajack, who joined the Panthers in 2019 after his tenure with the Philadelphia Eagles, has been a key figure within the organization, but the team has decided to move in a different direction.