Not in 2023, coach Nolan’s first year at the helm, when a constant quarterback carousel and losing four straight games at home en route to a 4-6 record and ultimately led to an early playoff exit.

“It’s been very rewarding, probably as much, if not more, than any of my NFL teams I was with or big games I was in,” Nolan said.

The Panthers, who also finished the regular season at 6-4, stunned the defending champion Birmingham Stallions by double digits, 44-29, in the USFL Conference Championship Game to advance.