Greg Olsen is aiming for a career change if Tom Brady takes his spot in the Fox Sports commentary room.
The 38-year-old former NFL tight end is reportedly interested in the vacant head coaching position with the Carolina Panthers.
Frank Reich was fired by Carolina earlier this week, leaving his team with a 1-10 record and fourth place in the NFC South.
Olson spent nine of his 14 seasons in the NFL with the Panthers, making three Pro Bowl appearances while in Charlotte.
Since retiring in 2021, he has become a top color analyst on Fox Sports.
NFL legend Brady is expected to take a $375 million job at the broadcast giant next season, and Olsen’s job could be on the front lines.
According to The Athletic , Olsen “would be interested in the Panthers’ availability if approached.”
Reports from Joseph Person and Richard Deitch speculate that Panthers owner David Tepper could face “backlash from fans” if he approaches Olsen.
Although Olson has a long NFL career, he has no professional coaching experience and has only coached his son’s Pop Warner team.
Panthers fans were quick to comment on the reports on social media, with one writing on X: “I just can’t see this happening.”
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Another said: “This would be a great fit. They should hire him immediately. Players love playing for former players of great leaders (i.e. DeMeco Ryans). Greg Olson has those qualities .”
A third added: “Because he knows he’s going to be benched for Tom Brady…”
A fourth commented: “Jeff’s Saturday vibes.”
Brady signed a 10-year, $375 million broadcast deal with Fox in the summer of 2022.
The seven-time Super Bowl champion will be in the broadcast booth for the primetime game.
Since retiring in February, Brady has said he will begin his duties beginning in the 2024 season.
He realized that after 22 years on the court, it might take some time to ease into the media world.
He said: I think even the expectations I have for myself – I’m going to work really hard at this part of my career because I know the first time you try something, you’re not very good at it.
“The first time I threw a football, I wasn’t very good at it. The first time I tried a math equation, I wasn’t very good at it.
“So in a different way, when you first try anything it’s not going to be the easiest way and you have to keep working at it.”