Jonathan Stewart Compares Panthers New GM and HC to Kyle Shanahan and Jon Lynch Hires

Former Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart believes the new GM and HC are huge hires like what Kyle Shanahan and Jon Lynch were to the 49ers.

A new era of Carolina Panthers football is set to begin in 2024, and that starts with a brand-new head coach and general manager. The team announced the acquisition of Dave Canales as HC. Canales was the former offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

Joining him is general manager Dan Morgan, who has been with the team since 2021 as assistant general manager, but has now been promoted to the full-time role of GM. Former Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart talked about the excitement these hires should give fans on the Bleav in Carolina Panthers Podcast, even comparing them to two NFC powerhouses. 

"You know, this organization is in good hands. A sense of pride to, you know, to be able to walk, you know, in that stadium, walk out of the stadium. You should have a sense of pride right now going into this off-season."

via Jonathan Stewart, Bleav in Carolina Panthers

Stewart is speaking on the excitement that Panthers fans should be feeling right now in getting two of the most dynamic and young minds of the NFL. The league is certainly shifting to younger minds, and Morgan and Canales offer a new young perspective. 

"And you should think to yourself what patience looks like because you're going to have to be patient. Because I think they're building the right staff front office. It's going to take time to get the right players. You look at the 49ers in 2017, right? You look at how Shanahan and John Lynch came together and it took them six years to reach this point."

via Jonathan Stewart, Bleav in Carolina Panthers

Lynch was around 44 years old when he became GM for the Niners, and Shanahan was 32. Their young minds melded and helped the franchise turn around. They are on the verge of bringing in a Super Bowl. 

While Stewart believes Morgan and Canales can be the same thing for the Panthers, he also states that fans should be patient. As the saying goes, "Rome wasn't built in a day." 

Carolina might need some time but they have a young and dynamic team that can make some noise with the right coaching staff in place. Stewart believes that is exactly the direction the franchise is going in.