When the Carolina Panthers brought Darrell Bevell on board as associate head coach with an offensive specialist title, it was more than just adding another experienced voice to the mix. This strategic move highlights the team’s commitment to elevating Bryce Young’s game in his second year.
Bevell’s connection with head coach Dave Canales goes back to their days in Seattle, where they collaborated to mold Russell Wilson into a Super Bowl champion. This experience is particularly relevant as Wilson, like Young, faced challenges due to his smaller stature in the league.
Carolina is banking on Bevell’s proven ability to design balanced offenses. His approach, which emphasizes using the run game to set up quick passes and layered play-action, is designed to help quarterbacks play instinctively and efficiently.
In the immediate future, Bevell will be instrumental in crafting offensive strategies that align with Canales’ overarching vision. However, his role as associate head coach suggests a broader purpose.
With Canales overseeing the entire operation - from clock management to all three phases of the game - having a seasoned play-caller like Bevell offers flexibility. As the season unfolds, Bevell might take on play-calling duties, allowing Canales to adopt a more CEO-like role on game days. Even if this shift doesn’t happen right away, the Panthers now have the infrastructure to make it possible.
This hire is about more than just tweaking the playbook. It’s about creating an environment for Bryce Young that mirrors one where a quarterback with a similar profile thrived. It also provides Carolina with the adaptability needed to navigate high-stakes situations as they arise.