The Drive with Tim Donnelly

<p>Tim Donnelly discusses the Carolina Panthers hiring Dave Canales as their head coach, and how Canales & Carolina Panthers GM Dan Morgan already have a relationship together, and if that makes them the right fit for David Tepper and the Carolina Panthers. Also, fans call in to give their reaction to the hiring.</p>

<p>In Hit It & Quit It, Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox discuss NC State basketball at Virginia basketball, the Carolina Hurricanes visiting the Boston Bruins, Sports Betting in the State of North Carolina, if UNC & NC State will be able to leave the ACC on their own, baseball Hall of Fame, and more. </p>

<p>Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox share their confidence & concerns regarding ACC basketball in the State of North Carolina, including UNC basketball, NC State basketball, Wake Forest basketball, and Duke basketball. </p>

<p>After beating Louisville basketball, 83-69, Tim Donnelly says that Duke basketball needs to have a consistent killer instinct, and it might start with Tyrese Proctor, who had a career-high 24 points for the Blue Devils and head coach Jon Scheyer.</p> <p>Donnelly also discusses how the debate will rage for the next three months leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft as people will debate UNC QB Drake Maye vs LSU QB Jayden Daniels. </p>

<p>Tim Donnelly states why Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper & GM Dan Morgan need to hire a young, offensive-minded head coach for Bryce Young, and for longevity at the position, and why Houston Texans Offensive Coordinator Bobby Slowik and Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales are good fits as opposed to former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel. </p> <p>Mobile sports betting in the State of North Carolina is set to become active on March 11, 2024, and Brian Murphy, WRAL Sports Investigative reporter gives the latest on sports gambling in North Carolina. </p>

<p>During Cop or Drop, Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox discuss the latest with the Carolina Hurricanes goalie situation now that the Philadelphia Flyers goalie Carter Hart is taking a leave of absense from the team, the latest with sports betting in the State of North Carolina, WWE signing a 10-yaer deal to have Monday Night Raw on Netflix starting in 2025, and more. </p>

<p>After North Carolina basketball guard RJ Davis dropped 36 points in an 85-64 win over Wake Forest basketball, Tim Donnelly says UNC basketball is in their own tier of ACC basketball this season, and nothing is slowing them down.</p> <p>Also, who are the favorites to finish in the top-4 of the ACC men's basketball standings and have a bye until Thursday of the ACC men's basketball tournament. </p>

<p>Tim Donnelly disagrees with the decision process by Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper to promote Dan Morgan to the role of General Manager after the firing of Scott Fitterer. Tim Donnelly wonders what impact new Carolina Panthers GM Dan Morgan will have on the hiring of the new head coach, or will David Tepper have final say. Donnelly also is interested to see if Tampa Bay Buccaneers Offensive Coordinator Dave Canales is the hire for the Panthers to help Bryce Young.</p>

<p>Tim Donnelly breaks down the players who are getting second interviews with the Carolina Panthers, and who is the favorite to be picked by owner David Tepper? Donnelly wonders if LA Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris will be the choice. </p> <p>Tim Donnelly points out that the Carolina Hurricanes still need to look to add a goalie before the trade deadline, even if the lineup in front is playing well and the current goaltending is playing average. </p>

<p>Tim Donnelly says UNC basketball took care of business on the road against Boston College, including another strong performance by Harrison Ingram that also saw RJ Davis score 16 points. Also, Tim Donnelly also gives us this week's Podium ranking ACC basketball from the State of North Carolina, with UNC basketball taking the gold, Wake Forest basketball taking the silver, NC State basketball taking the bronze, and Duke basketball being left off the podium. </p>

<p>Tim Donnelly says that NC State basketball had a disappointing showing vs. Virginia Tech basketball, and that Kevin Keatts' team didn't show the toughness on defense like they did against Wake Forest basketball. Tim Donnelly says that Duke basketball severely lacks toughness and looked 'soft' in their loss to Pitt basketball.</p>

<p>Tim Donnelly disagrees with the decision by Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper to promote Dan Morgan to the role of General Manager after the firing of Dan Morgan.</p>

<p>Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox discuss former Carolina Panthers in the divisional round of the Playoffs, and Miami Hurricanes TE Cam McCormick getting a 9th year of eligibility. </p>

<p>Tim Donnelly breaks down the Carolina Panthers interviewing Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, and Houston Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, including how owner David Tepper is at the point of recruiting top coaching prospects as NFL coaching hires are taking place throughout the league.</p>

<p>Tim Donnelly says that NC State basketball still has a lot to prove this weekend against Virginia Tech basketball, and that head coach Kevin Keatts and the Wolfpack need to show the toughness they had against Wake Forest basketball.</p> <p>Tim Donnelly UNC basketball and head coach Hubert Davis can't get complacent atop of the ACC basketball standings, and that North Carolina basketball must stay sharp against Boston College basketball.</p> <p> </p>

<p>Tim Donnelly & Graham Hill share their confidence and express their concerns with the Carolina Hurricanes including the team not finishing what they started in games, their current goaltending situation, their penalty kill, and individual performances from players.</p> <p>Also, Tim Donnelly discussed how the Atlanta Falcons are set to have a second meeting with Bill Belichick and what this could mean for the future of the NFC South. </p>

<p>Tim Donnelly has some good news to share with Carolina Panthers fans regarding quarterback Bryce Young. ESPN NFL Nation Reporter David Netwon said Bryce Young got upset with the team privately following their poor performance in a 16-13 loss to the Chicago Bears this past season. Tim discussed why he wants to see more of this out of Young and why it's encouraging as he develops into a leader.</p> <p>Also, Tim Donnelly discussed the potential pitfall of appointing current Carolina Panthers assistant general manager Dan Morgan to official general manager. Tim explains his reasoning and why the Panthers might want to reconsider this crucial front-office decision.</p>

<p>Tim Donnelly explored the strategic implications, player dynamics, and the potential impact of the Carolina Hurricanes making a trade offer for Marc-Andre Fleury. Fleury will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season. Tim discussed what he would make of this.</p> <p>Also, Tim Donnelly discussed how the ACC and Florida State are set to battle in court as the conference seeks to block FSU from league affairs. </p>

<p>Tim Donnelly discussed North Carolina’s impressive 86-70 victory over Louisville. He breaks down the dynamic plays, standout performances, and what strategies defined this commanding win for the Tar Heels.</p> <p>Also, the football world was shocked when it was announced that Mike McCarthy would be returning as the Dallas Cowboys head coach next season. Tim Donnelly explained how the Cowboys and Carolina Panthers problems this off-season aren't all that different. </p>

<p>Tim Donnelly says that the officiating was the story in NC State basketball's 83-76 win over Wake Forest basketball, but points out how the officiating was the story, including the double technical foul called against Wolfpack head coach Kevin Keatts.</p> <p>Also, UNC basketball needs to take care of Louisville basketball as North Carolina basketball looks to build off of their impressive performance over Syracuse basketball. </p>

<p>During Hit It & Quit It, Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox discuss the latest involving the Carolina Hurricanes, including Martin Necas returning to practice, and the latest with goalie Frederik Andersen. Plus, if Bally Sports South will be available on Amazon Prime Video, which will allow Carolina Hurricanes fans to view games much more easily.</p> <p>Plus, more on the ACC's reprimand of NC State guard DJ Horne.</p>

<p>Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox share their confidence, and express their concerns with ACC basketball schools in the State of North Carolina, including Wake Forest basketball, NC State basketball, Duke basketball, and North Carolina basketball. </p>

<p>Tim Donnelly discusses the Carolina Panthers narrowing their coaching search, with some saying Cincinnati Bengals Offensive Coordinator Brian Callahan being the front runner as of now, but with questions of who would want to work for owner David Tepper and how that impacts their NFL coaching search.</p> <p>Tim Donnelly says it's clear now that the Carolina Panthers missed on not drafting CJ Stroud No. 1 in the 2023 NFL Draft, but that Bryce Young can still work out for the Carolina Panthers.</p>

<p>Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox do "Cop or Drop," where Tim answers questions and scenarios about the Carolina Panthers coaching search, the Carolina Panthers goalie situation behind Antti Raanta, the Charlotte Hornets upgrading the Spectrum Center, and more about the Carolina Panthers search for a new general manager. </p>

<p>Tim Donnelly shares why over the past week, No. 4 UNC basketball is the top ACC basketball team in the State of North Carolina after wins over NC State basketball and Syracuse basketball. Tim also has questions about No. 7 Duke basketball after squeezing out a win against Georgia Tech basketball, and discusses how Wake Forest basketball can get a big win vs NC State basketball.</p> <p>Donnelly also says Duke basketball lacks a killer instinct, and it showed in a recent win vs. Georgia Tech. </p>

<p>Tim Donnelly says that the Carolina Hurricanes still need to address their goalie situation because there are too many unknowns with Freddie Andersen dealing with blood clotting issues, and with Pyotr Kochetkov in NHL concussion protocol. Donnelly says that the Hurricanes are one bad injury away with Antti Raanta to having to turn to Yaniv Perets, who just made his NHL debut against the LA Kings in relief for Raanta. </p>

<p>Tim Donnelly urges the Carolina Panthers to narrow down their search for a head coach and GM as soon as possible as the NFL coaching and front office carousel continues to turn. </p> <p>Tim Donnelly points out how the Carolina Panthers have failed to evaluate and keep their own talent, and how former Carolina Panthers players, coaches, and executives are excelling in other places. Including San Francisco 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey and defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott and offensive coordinator Joe Brady and GM Brandon Beane, Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield, and others. Also, how Houston Texans rookie QB CJ Stroud has far outplayed Bryce Young.</p>

<p>Tim Donnelly discusses Florida State football facing penalties from the NCAA over breaking the rules regarding NIL and recruits. Also, UNC football & NC State football both are making moves via the transfer portal. </p>

<p>Tim Donnelly breaks down No. 7 North Carolina basketball's taking on Syracuse basketball, and points out how UNC basketball's offense needs to get back to a high level of efficiency in their matchup against the Syracuse Orange.</p> <p>Tim Donnelly breaks down NC State basketball visiting Louisville after the Wolfpack lost 67-54 to No. 7 UNC basketball, and how NC State basketball head coach Kevin Keatts and his team need to find their edge on offense with DJ Burns, Casey Morsell, and Dennis Parker, Jr.</p> <p>Also, Duke basketball looks for revenge when they host Georgia Tech basketball. </p>

<p>Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox discuss the Carolina Hurricanes getting a 6-3 win over the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday night, but are concerned about the goalie situation for head coach Rod Brind'Amour after rookie goalie Pyotr Kochetkov left the game in the 2nd period and is now in NHL concussions protocol.</p> <p>Also, Tim gives his REAL Bold predictions for sports over the weekend. </p>

<p>Tim Donnelly explains why the coaching hire of Jerod Mayo by the New England Patriots, and the GM hire of Adam Peters by the Washington Commanders, and the Commanders pursuit of Detroit Lions OC Ben Johnson as their head coach, all have impacts on the offseason decisions by Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper.</p> <p>Tim also looks ahead to NFL Wild Card weekend, including the Cleveland Browns at Houston Texans, Miami Dolphins at Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers at Buffalo Bills, Green Bay Packers at Dallas Cowboys, LA Rams at Detroit Lions, and Philadelphia Eagles at Tampa Bay Buccaneers. </p>

<p>Tim Donnelly says that the retiring of Alabama football coach Nick Saban will have an impact long term on ACC football because SEC football may not have the dominant program of Alabama in the near future that it has had under Saban, and if Alabama hires Dabo Swinney from Clemson football, or Mike Norvell from Florida State football would lower the level of those programs, and the level of the ACC as the whole.</p> <p>Also, Tim Donnelly breaks down some of the coaching hires we might see in the NFL now that both Seattle Seahawks are moving on from Pete Carroll as head coach, and Bill Belichick no longer being the head coach of the New England Patriots. </p>

<p>Tim Donnelly shares his thoughts on No. 7 North Carolina basketball beating NC State basketball, 67-54, and how NC State basketball needs to find their identity as a team quickly, and how UNC basketball was able to dictate the game in the 2nd half.</p> <p>Donnelly also points out how North Carolina can win in multiple ways. </p>

<p>Tim Donnelly explains why Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper should not hire former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick or former Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll as their next head coach.</p>

<p>Tim Donnelly breaks down No. 7 North Carolina basketball's 67-54 win at NC State basketball, including how UNC basketball is able to adapt their style of play to anyone. Tim also praises UNC forward Harrison Ingram for his 19 rebounds and Ingram's ability to do what is needed for his team each night.</p> <p>Tim & Dennis Cox also discuss the Carolina Hurricanes getting back into action after having gone five days between games. They express their confidence, and voice their concerns, when it comes to the Carolina Hurricanes as they face the Anaheim Ducks. </p>

<p>In breaking news, Alabama football head coach Nick Saban is retiring. Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox react live to the news, and begin to speculate who will become the next head coach at Alabama, including Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney, Georgia football coach Kirby Smart, among others.</p> <p>Tim Donnelly takes issues with some of the potential coaching candidate for the Carolina Panthers based on the requests they've made, and wonders if owner David Tepper is making the right choices for interviews.</p>

<p>Tim Donnelly breaks down No. 7 North Carolina basketball at NC State basketball, as UNC basketball & NC State basketball look to claim the top stop in the ACC basketball standings.</p> <p>Tim Donnelly discusses NC State football and head coach Dave Doeren continue to get high end players out of the transfer portal, most recently with Oklahoma Sooners football running back Hollywood Smothers, who was a 4-star recruit.</p>

<p>Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox give share their concerns, and share where they're confident, when it comes to NC State basketball, UNC basketball, Wake Forest basketball, and NC State basketball. </p>

<p>Tim Donnelly wonders if 2023 was the worst season in Carolina Panthers history? He says looking at the numbers, that one could argue it was, but that things could get even worse for owner David Tepper and the Panthers.</p> <p>Also, Duke basketball is on the road against Pitt basketball, while Wake Forest basketball faced Florida State basketball. Tim wonders why Wake Forest basketball and head coach Steve Forbes aren't getting more love and attention. </p>

<p>Tim Donnelly says the Carolina Panthers and owner David Tepper have to be aggressive with their head coaching search, and how they should be ahead of other teams with their evaluations of potential candidates. Tim also wonders if Michigan football head coach Jim Harbaugh is an attractive candidate for Tepper after Michigan defeated Washington football in the College Football Playoff National Championship game.</p> <p>Plus, in the 'Way Too Early Top 25" College football rankings by ESPN, NC State football was listed at No. 20. Tim Donnelly says that the Wolfpack need to live up to expectations.</p>

<p>During Cop or Drop, Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox discuss what the Carolina Panthers should do with their coaching staff after a new head coach & GM are hired, if the Carolina Panthers need to strongly consider former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel, and what the Carolina Hurricanes should do in goal moving forward. Also, Tim & Dennis break down what the Carolina Hurricanes could be working on during their days between games to further improve on what's already been a strong stretch. </p>

<p>What is the confidence level in Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young after his first season in the NFL? Tim Donnelly updates the Bryce-O-Meter as he evaluates Young's rookie season in the NFL.</p> <p>Also, Tim Donnelly ranks UNC basketball, Wake Forest basketball, Duke basketball, and NC State basketball from the past week on the latest installment of The Podium after each team went 2-0 over the past week in ACC basketball play. </p>

<p>Tim Donnelly says the Carolina Panthers and owner David Tepper have to get the choice of new general and head coach right after the firing of GM Scott Fitterer, and the new head coach and GM have to do everything possible to help Bryce Young.</p> <p>Tim Donnelly says the Carolina Panthers looked checked out and showed very little emotion in the final game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tim also wants to see more emotion from Bryce Young in the post game interviews.</p>

<p>Tim Donnelly says NC State basketball bounced back from a tough performance against Notre Dame basketball to earn a 76-60 win over Virginia basketball. Donnelly also points out how the shooting was much improved against UVA basketball.</p> <p>Tim Donnelly says No. 7 North Carolina's defense shined in a 65-55 win over No. 21 Clemson basketball. Donnelly points out how UNC basketball's defense has improved, and how Harrison Ingram's versatility is vital for the North CarolinaTar Heels.</p> <p>Tim also points out how Mark Mitchell helped No. 11 Duke earn a win over Notre Dame, and how his played has made up for the lack of production by Tyrese Proctor and Kyle Filipowski. </p>

<p>Tim Donnelly says that Sebastian Aho being named a NHL All-Star again is deserving for the young center, but how forward Seth Jarvis should also be in the running for making it to the All-Star game. </p>

<p>Tim Donnelly discusses the upcoming matchup for No. 8 UNC basketball as North Carolina Tar Heels look for another Quad 1 win against No. 16 Clemson Tigers, and how Harrison Ingram's versatility will be key for Head Coach Hubert Davis.</p> <p>Tim Donnelly says NC State basketball needs to look to bounce back and shoot better than their 54-52 win over Notre Dame as the Wolfpack faces Virginia basketball.</p> <p>Tim Donnelly says Duke basketball needs to handle business against Notre Dame basketball, but they need to make sure Kyle Filipowski doesn't continue to get into foul trouble, and how Tyrese Proctor is getting healthier for head coach Jon Scheyer.</p>

<p>Tim Donnelly discusses what the Carolina Panthers and QB Bryce Young have to gain from their NFL Week 18 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers heading into the offseason with a new head coach coming into the team.</p> <p>Also, Tim Donnelly discusses further the reports potentially linking Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh to the head coaching job with the Carolina Panthers, but how Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper might not as high on Harbaugh. </p>

<p>Tim Donnelly shares his thoughts on what type of personallity would be the best fit for the Carolina Panthers under owner David Tepper.</p> <p>Tim & Dennis Cox also share their confidences & concerns when it comes to the Carolina Panthers going into their NFL Week 18 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. </p>

<p>Tim Donnelly breaks down the 54-52 win by NC State basketball on the road at Notre Dame basketball that saw DJ Burns score the game-winning bucket with 0.6 seconds left to play. Donnelly points that the Wolfpack proved to themselves that they could win an ugly, grinding game.</p> <p>Donnelly also shares his thoughts on the Carolina Hurricanes and their power play production, which goes beyond a hot scoring run by Sebastian Aho & Andrei Svechnikov. </p>

<p>Tim Donnelly gives credit to Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young because Young has proven himself to more durable during his rookie season than many other QBs despite him being the smallest QB in the NFL, playing more games than rookies Will Levis, Anthony Richardson, and CJ Stroud. Donnelly also points out that defensive tackle Derrick Brown was snubbed from the 2023 NFL Pro Bowl. </p>