"The Jacksonville Jaguars have contacted the Panthers about interviewing offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski for the Jaguars' head coaching vacancy, according to an NFL source.

Panthers first-year coach Ron Rivera confirmed a team had contacted the Panthers about Chudzinski, but would not identify the team until Panthers owner Jerry Richardson had been notified. Rivera also indicated the Panthers would be proactive in trying to keep Chudzinski.

Chudzinski, 43, led the Panthers to the most prolific offensive season in their 17-year history. With rookie quarterback Cam Newton directing Chudzinski's diverse attack that featured option runs and downfield passes, the Panthers finished with a franchise-record 6,237 yards.

Carolina (6-10) finished seventh in total offense a year after they were last in the league in John Fox's final season. Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver fired Jack Del Rio in November after a 3-8 start, and also agreed to sell the team to businessman Shahid Khan.

Defensive coordinator Mel Tucker was the interim coach for the Jags, who finished 5-11 after beating Indianapolis on Sunday. Chudzinski came with Rivera from San Diego, where he was the Chargers tight ends coach. Chudzinski was Cleveland's offensive coordinator for two years before joining Norv Turner's staff in San Diego."