Jim Bob Cooter ‘remains a strong candidate’ for Panthers OC job

It’s looking increasingly unlikely that the Jacksonville Jaguars will be able to retain passing game coordinator Jim Bob Cooter after a breakout year for the team’s offense in 2022.

Amid reports that the Indianapolis Colts requested an interview with Cooter for their vacant offensive coordinator role, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 in Houston says the Carolina Panthers aren’t out of the mix.

Cooter “remains a strong candidate” in the Panthers’ search for an offensive coordinator, sources told Wilson.

In the Jaguars’ first season with head coach Doug Pederson at the helm, the team finished 10th in passing yards, 14th in touchdown passes, and had the third fewest interceptions. Second-year quarterback Trevor Lawrence made significant leaps and earned Pro Bowl honors.

While it’s tough to say who deserves the most credit with Pederson, Lawrence, Cooter, and offensive coordinator Press Taylor all playing a significant role, it’s also easy to understand why the Jaguars would want to keep the brain trust together.

Cooter, who previously spent three seasons as the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator, also interviewed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, although that team decided to hire Dave Canales for the role.

Earlier in the offseason, Jaguars wide receivers coach Chris Jackson opted to take the same position with the Texas Longhorns. Jacksonville filled that spot Thursday, making official the hire of former Buffalo Bills receivers coach Chad Hall.