The Carolina Panthers will have a busy offseason after a disappointing campaign in the NFL. One of the key decisions to make is to hire a new offensive coordinator to work alongside coach Matt Rhule after the team fired Joe Brady after just two seasons. According to reports, one of the guys targeted by Rhule for the vacant position was UCLA coach Chip Kelly.

The veteran tactician hasn't coached in the NFL since getting sacked by the San Francisco 49ers in 2016. Aside from Kelly, the Panthers are also rumored to be looking at Jay Gruden, Ben McAdoo, Klint Kubiak, Mike Groh, and Scottie Montogmery as new offensive coordinator (via NFL Network's Mike Garafolo).

Kelly making his return to the NFL, however, won't happen for now. He has re-upped his contract with UCLA despite getting interest from the Panthers. Since joining the program in 2018, he hasn't really found significant success, so perhaps he wants to settle an unfinished business. He has an 18-25 win-loss record at UCLA, including going 8-4 last season.

With Chip Kelly already out, Rhule and the Panthers will now have to look elsewhere. Also, they still need to address their holes at quarterback. It has become increasingly clear that Sam Darnold isn't the right fit. Cam Newton, meanwhile, although his return was somehow a feel-good story, has seen better days.

A good option could be at the 2022 NFL Draft, where the Panthers own the sixth overall pick.