CHARLOTTE – Jim Hostler has been hired as Carolina's new wide receivers coach.

Hostler is entering his 19th NFL season after spending 2018 with the Packers as their offense/pass game coordinator. He has spent much of his career working with wide receivers.

Prior to his position in Green Bay, Hostler spent three seasons with the Colts, first as wide receivers coach (2015) and then as tight ends coach (2016-17). Hostler also served in a variety of roles on the offensive side of the ball for the Bills (2014), Ravens (2008-13), 49ers (2005-07), Jets (2003-04), Saints (2001-02) and Chiefs (2000).

Hostler and Panthers offensive coordinator Norv Turner crossed paths in 2006 when they were both on staff with the 49ers.

"Great respect for Norv," Hostler said. "He keeps up with the times, he's innovative, he's got a great reputation. He's a great guy to work for."

His last stint as a wide receivers coach, in 2015 with the Colts, Hostler helped guide T.Y. Hilton to his second career Pro Bowl selection as he became just the third player in team history to register three consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons. In 2014 as a senior offensive assistant for the Bills, wide receiver Sammy Watkins set team single-season rookie records for receptions (65) and receiving yards (982) and the Bills had three players post at least 50 catches each for the first time in franchise history.

Prior to Buffalo, Hostler spent six seasons with the Ravens as wide receivers coach, where he oversaw a group that played an integral role in the team's Super Bowl XLVII win. During the 2012 campaign, Baltimore's wideouts paced the team's 3,996 receiving yards, the second most in a season in franchise history to that point. Hostler coached current Panthers wide receiver Torrey Smith, who averaged 17.2 yards per catch from 2011-13, good for fifth in the NFL over that span.

The group Hostler inherits is headlined by youngsters DJ Moore and Curtis Samuel, who emerged as explosive playmakers in 2018.

"I'm excited about the group. I studied DJ Moore last year when he was coming out. He was high on my list and I'm excited to work with him," Hostler said. "I've watched tape of Curtis Samuel and he's got a lot of skill. Hell of an athlete.