The Carolina Panthers have asked permission to speak to San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Greg Manusky for their coaching vacancy.
Manusky joined the 49ers in 2006 after serving as the linebackers coach for the San Diego Chargers. He was with the Washington Redskins in 2001.
The 49ers defense finished the season with mixed results: they were sixth in defending the rush (96.7 yards per game) and 13th in yards per game (327.8) but were 16th in scoring (346), 24th in receiving yards allowed per game (231) and 25th in receiving yards allowed (3,941).
In a season that ended with a disappointing 6-10 record, defensive captains Patrick Willis and Justin Smith were both selected to the 2011 NFC Pro Bowl team. Under his tutelage, Willis, Smith, Chargers LB Shawne Merriman (2006), LB Donnie Edwards (2002) and LB Junior Seau (2002) and Redskins LB LaVar Arrington (2001) were all named to their first career Pro Bowls.
New York Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell and San Diego Chargers defensive coordinator Ron Rivera are among those contacted by the Panthers thus far in their coaching search.
