Consistency in Coaching is just as important as the players’ consistency. The Carolina Panthers made changes to their staff this year. Can consistency be created in the offseason to make a difference in 2026?_____________________________________________________
Coaching Consistency- Carolina Panthers
The 2026 postseason coaching chaos is going to generate more player inconsistency than in any previous NFL season. It will also wreak havoc on our fantasy seasons, unless…you read these articles and plan ahead. Never in the history of the NFL has there been as many Head Coach and/or Offensive Coordinator changes as there were this offseason. Some of our favorite, consistent players who were last season’s standouts may lose touches to others who were overlooked by their previous coaches. If you know who they are, they’ll be carrying your fantasy teams to championships. In this weekly series of team-by-team articles, Phil Taylor highlights how our favorite players are likely to be affected by the coaching changes.
In Carolina, Dave Canales will remain Head Coach but will hand off play-calling to his Offensive Coordinator, Brad Idzik. While this is not a coaching change, it could cause a change in the offense. What makes this change significant is that last season, Brad Idzik was developing the offense and creating the plays, while Dave Canales was choosing the plays on gameday. The Panthers’ offense took a leap forward last year, and this year, with the play and game plan designer also calling the plays, it should run even more smoothly. How will this affect our Carolina fantasy assets?
Quarterback: Although people are saying that Bryce Young broke out last season, his statistics were actually very average by NFL standards. What made his season was celebrated was his improvements across the board in every significant category. If this coaching staff has a handle on how to develop a quarterback and how to match the play calling to his strengths, then Bryce Young could really break out in 2026. What was nice to see was Bryce Young’s continued use as a running QB. His numbers weren’t crazy, but they’re good enough that defenses will have to plan for the possibility. Bryce Young will also have newly drafted mammoth (6’7″, 315 LBs) offensive lineman Monroe Freeling and new Center Jager Burton to protect him. Overall, I think Bryce Young is a smart, developing QB who looks like he’s learning and getting more consistent each season. The Panthers had a draft plan and executed it brilliantly. I’d happily grab Bryce Young as my fantasy backup.
Wide Receivers: The Panthers have stocked the wide receiver room for Bryce Young this season. The alpha will be Tetairoa McMillan, who had 70 catches out of 78 catchable balls for 1014 yards and 7 touchdowns. With Bryce Young’s improvement, we should see Tet become a top ten WR in the league and in fantasy. T-Mac is definitely not alone in the Panthers’ wide receiver room. Last season, both Jalen Coker and Xavier Legette were useful bye-week players. This season, they’ll be competing with 6’4″ rookie Chris Brazzell, drafted from Tennessee in the 3rd round. Last season, he had 62 catches for 1,017 yards and 9 TDs. With him and Tet flying down each side of the field, Coker and Legette will live in the middle of the field and eat well. The Panthers’ passing game is going to be hard to defend.
Running Backs: The primary RB’s will be Chuba Hubbard, the ghost of Jonathan Brooks, and Trevor Etienne. The RB’s will likely be used this year exactly the same as last year. The big question is who will be number 1, or will they frustrate us with a time-share between Hubbard and Brooks? With no RB draft picks in the first five rounds (yes, I’m writing this during the draft), it appears that the Panthers are comfortable with their RB room. What that tells me is that they think that they have their RB improvement in-house with Jonathan Brooks. I’m going to grab him late in early drafts and best balls, and he will probably end up being a 4th, 5th, or 6th rounder in our regular fantasy drafts. If he takes the Rico Dowdle role and carries from last season, he’s going to be a consistent steal. Hopefully his new ACL’s will be a little stronger than cooked spaghetti.
Tight Ends: The Panthers tight end room is consistent. Last season, they had four tight ends, and they still have the same four guys. Currently, there are rumors that the Panthers may still be looking for a tight end late in the draft. Last season, Canales and Idzik used the four tight ends as if they were afraid of wearing them out. Future NFL Hall of Fame visitor Tommy Tremble led the team with just 37 targets. The TE room cast of characters also includes Ja’Tavion Sanders, James Mitchell, and Mitchell Evans. Apparently, someone on the Carolina draft team has a kink for the name Mitchell. If Mitchell Evans married James Mitchell and took his last name, he would be Mitchell Mitchell. I wonder if they’d share a locker. Over the last several years, the Dave Canales offenses have ranked in the bottom four in the league for tight end target rates. That’s pretty consistent. Ugh.
In summary, Bryce Young will get better and more consistent and move into the top 12 QB’s. His WR’s, and in particular Tetairoa McMillan, will be more consistent this season. Jalen Coker will be used similarly to Cooper Kupp, but with far less volume. Rookie Chris Brazzell will have a few games where he gets the “go up and get it” endzone throw. He’s your fill-in if T-Mac gets hurt. The run game may have a sleeper of the year in Jonathan Brooks. In this offense with a new play caller, I’m not expecting any significant changes, other than a bit more scoring.
