Panthers fire offensive coordinator, QB coach

Panthers coach Ron Rivera fired longtime offensive coordinator Mike Shula on Tuesday, saying the team’s offense needs a “different perspective.”

Along with Shula, the Panthers also cut ties with quarterbacks coach Ken Dorsey two days after a playoff loss to the Saints.

“I believe we need some different ideas going forward,” Rivera said at a news conference.

Shula spent seven seasons with Carolina, working as the quarterbacks coach before being promoted to offensive coordinator in 2013.

Among some of the potential candidates that make sense are Norv Turner and Rob Chudzinski, who was the team’s offensive coordinator from 2011-12.

FALCONS: QB Matt Ryan left team headquarters because of an undisclosed personal matter and did not practice.

Team spokesman Brian Cearns said Tuesday the Falcons did not plan to give a reason for his absence, adding that Ryan would address the matter Wednesday “if he decides to do so.”

Atlanta (11-6) visits Philadelphia (13-3) on Saturday.

Ryan’s wife, Sarah, announced in November that the couple expects to become first-time parents in April with twins.

BEARS: Chicago introduced new coach Matt Nagy on Tuesday, a day after he was hired as the team’s 16th head coach to replace the fired John Fox.

CHIEFS: Running backs coach Eric Bieniemy was promoted to offensive coordinator, filling the job that Nagy left.

CHARGERS: Defensive coordinator Gus Bradley and offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt were retained by the team. Continuity on the coaching staff was a major offseason goal for Lynn and general manager Tom Telesco after the Chargers (9-7) barely missed the playoffs.

RAMS: Zac Taylor has been named the quarterbacks coach. The NFC West champions promoted from within to replace Greg Olson, who left to become Jon Gruden’s offense coordinator with the Raiders.

PACKERS: Mike Pettine, a former Browns coach and Jets defensive coordinator, reportedly will replace fired defensive coordinator Dom Capers, according to ESPN.

BENGALS: Cincinnati has hired Teryl Austin as defensive coordinator. Austin spent the past four seasons as the Lions’ defensive coordinator.