Jeff

Nixon

Nixon previously worked for the Panthers and Giants in various offensive roles including running backs coach, interim offensive coordinator, and assistant head coach before taking the job with Syracuse in 2024. He led Syracuse to their first 10-win season in six years, landing him an interview with the Texans. He hails from a long lineage of run-first football coaching, something that could hint at coming expectations out of Houston.

Nixon took over offensive play calling for the Panthers in 2021 after OC Joe Brady was fired by Matt Rhule. Nixon, 48, interviewed for offensive coordinator openings in Vegas and Jacksonville last year. One of the run heaviest teams in recent NFL history, the 2022 Panthers had two efficient backs (D’Onta Foreman and Chubba Hubbard) after Christian McCaffrey was traded to the 49ers. Carolina ranked seventh in rush EPA over the season’s final eight weeks. Hiring Nixon could be a signal that Mike McCarthy wants to get back to basics in 2023 with a decidedly run-first scheme.

In his first press conference since the firing of offensive coordinator Joe Brady, Rhule also mentioned running the ball more on multiple occasions. A Tweet from ESPN’s David Newton noted that Rhule wanted to run 30 or more times a game. Brady wasn’t coming close to that number and the Carolina offense has been lacking all year. Nixon was a co-offensive coordinator and running backs coach under Rhule at Baylor and followed him to Carolina. Even if it’s to the team’s detriment, expect the Panthers to try establishing their ground game as they come out of the bye to face Atlanta.