FOX Sports analyst Greg Olsen expressed openness to considering the position of head coach for the Carolina Panthers if offered. In an interview on The Rich Eisen Show, Olsen acknowledged that it would be crazy not to entertain the conversation if the opportunity arose.
While he emphasized his enjoyment of his current role as a broadcaster, Olsen acknowledged the uncertainty of the future and the various factors at play. Despite having no coaching experience at the college or NFL levels, Olsen’s reported interest in the Panthers’ vacancy has sparked discussions about the potential transition from player to coach.
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“This is not something I’m chasing, this is not something I’m calling around, this is not something I’m actively pursuing,” Olsen told Eisen. “I would call the A game at Fox for 30 years if that was what was in the cards…. but I’m just never a believer of just slamming the door on anything that you love, and anything that you’re passionate about.”
“Whether the opportunity comes or not, I don’t know. It’s a hypothetical situation… in this hypothetical scenario, why not?”
Olsen, who had a distinguished 14-season NFL career, spent nine seasons with the Panthers, earning three Pro Bowl selections.
Greg Olsen also played for the Chicago Bears and the Seattle Seahawks, where he completed his final season in 2020. In March 2021, he signed a one-day contract with the Carolina Panthers to retire with the team. Olsen transitioned to broadcasting, joining the Fox Sports team as a lead analyst for the 2021 NFL season.
However, his role may face challenges with the anticipated arrival of Tom Brady to Fox Sports in 2024. Fox CEO Lachlan Murdoch revealed in 2022 that Brady, a seven-time Super Bowl champion, would be commentating alongside play-by-play announcer Kevin Burkhardt—currently Olsen’s role. Olsen’s lead analyst position, which currently pays $10 million per year, is expected to decrease to $3 million in 2024 as he takes a secondary role to Brady, according to Vanity Fair’s Tom Kludt.
However, some suggest that Olsen might find fulfillment and financial success in broadcasting, potentially avoiding the stress associated with coaching.