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          NFL Nation

          Panthers get McDermott, other coaches

          • Pat Yasinskas, ESPN Staff WriterJan 17, 2011, 05:08 PM ET
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            • Previously covered NFC South for ESPN.com
            • Covered Panthers for The Charlotte Observer from 1999-2008
            • Began journalism career with The Tampa Tribune in 1990
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          The Panthers just announced several moves for their new coaching staff.

          Coach Ron Rivera has hired Brian Murphy as special-teams coordinator. The team will also retain Ron Meeks and Sam Mills III, who were on John Fox’s staff. No announcement has been made by the team, but ESPN’s Chris Mortensen is reporting the Panthers have hired Sean McDermott as defensive coordinator. McDermott was fired as Philadelphia’s defensive coordinator Saturday.

          Murphy held a similar role in Minnesota the past two seasons and was the assistant special-teams coach for three seasons prior to that. Meeks was the defensive coordinator on Fox’s staff, but will now slide over and become the defensive backfield coach.

          Mills, whose late father Sam Mills was a linebacker and assistant coach for the Panthers, joined Fox’s staff in 2005. He previously worked as a quality control assistant on defense and also helped with the defensive line. He will continue working in those roles.