Cavanaugh became the Panthers' offensive coordinator after the 2004 season and is one of three assistants remaining from Dave Wannstedt's original staff.

Wannstedt was noncommittal about Cavanaugh at a news conference Wednesday to discuss incoming recruits. Cavanaugh was not available for comment.

"We all know Matt's a great coach, and I'm sure a lot of other people out there will be interested in giving him another opportunity," Wannstedt told The Post-Gazette. "It wouldn't surprise me if people had an interest in him, but at this point, I have nothing further to say about it."

Wannstedt and his staff were at Heinz Field for a reception Wednesday with boosters and season ticket holders, which is an annual event on signing day. Cavanaugh did not attend.

Cavanaugh and new Jets coach Rex Ryan worked together in Baltimore for six seasons, including the 2000 Super Bowl championship. Cavanaugh was the offensive coordinator from 1999-2004.

Cavanaugh had recently expressed his desire to become a play-caller and coordinate an offense in the NFL again. That was the position he had for eight seasons with the Bears and Ravens before jarriving at Pitt.

Ryan has retained Brian Schottenheimer as offensive coordinator, but Cavanaugh is at least back in the NFL with hopes that it will provide him a faster track back to a coordinator position.

A formal announcement of Cavanaugh's departure could come as soon as today, the paper said.