Panthers HC candidate profile: Ken Dorsey

Perhaps the most familiar candidate for the Carolina Panthers head-coaching job, outside of Steve Wilks, is former quarterbacks coach and current Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey.

The 41-year-old play caller was tagged for an interview as a part of the all-hands-on-deck search for an “offensive guru.” And his résumé, while not large, is impressive.

Dorsey was the Panthers quarterback coach during their last successful stretch, including their 15-1 season and eventual Super Bowl 50 appearance in 2015. He was eventually let go by Carolina in 2018 and he landed in Buffalo as their quarterbacks coach under former Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott.

After Brian Daboll shuffled off to lead the New York Giants, Dorsey took over the offense and has done an impressive job in his only year as the coordinator. He’s helped the Bills boast the fourth-best scoring offense in the NFL and has really pushed the group into high gear in the second half of the season.

Dorsey would certainly be a bit of a swing-for-the-fences hire with only one year of experience as a play caller. He has, however, shown the ability to maximize the talent around him and create an explosive offensive game plan.

Sure, having one of the best quarterbacks in the league in Josh Allen is a huge help. But you can only capitalize on what you are given, and Dorsey capitalized on all of Allen’s skills.

His familiarity with the franchise certainly won’t hurt his chances, and the team clearly has a keen interest in a homegrown product.