Carolina Panthers has now filled two of the vacancies on the defense out of three on Tuesday. Linebackers coach Richard Smith and defensive backs coach Ron Milus has been hired.

These two replaced Ken Flajole and Tim Lewis. Flajole left to become the defensive coordinator in St. Louis and Lewis has not been offered again after the contract ended.

Still the Panthers are looking for a defensive line coach. Sal Sunseri’s position has to be filled because he is now with Alabama.

The Panthers have added some experienced staff with the current hires. According to coach John Fox “Richard is a veteran coach who has experience with all phases of defense as a coordinator and has excelled as a linebacker coach.” He also added, “Ron has had success as a secondary coach for the last decade and is an outstanding teacher. We are pleased to have them joining our staff.”
Smith was a coordinator the last four years, 3 in Houston and 1 in Miami, and before that he had been linebackers coach with San Francisco, Detroit, Denver and Houston (Oilers, not Texans).
Now he is entering his 22nd NFL season.

Tags: ken flajole, panthers, tim lewis