CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- For the third time in less than four months the Carolina Panthers are in flux at special-teams coordinator.
Bruce DeHaven is taking a leave of absence because of an undisclosed medical issue, the team announced Tuesday. Russ Purnell, who served as special-teams coach for the Indianapolis Colts under Tony Dungy from 2002-08, will assume DeHaven's role.
DeHaven was promoted in February to replace Richard Rodgers after a 2014 season in which Carolina gave up four special-teams touchdowns and finished near the bottom of the league in several key categories.
The team did not disclose the nature of DeHaven's medical issue, but sources indicate it is serious.
"Our thoughts are with Bruce and his family, and we wish him a quick recovery," coach Ron Rivera said in a statement. "Out of respect for Bruce and his family's privacy, no additional information will be disclosed."
DeHaven has 28 seasons of NFL coaching experience, including 26 leading special-teams units. Purnell is a veteran of 26 NFL seasons. He was with Super Bowl teams at Indianapolis (2006) and Baltimore (2000).
He has coached seven special-teams players who earned Pro Bowl berths. He most recently coached with the Omaha Nighthawks of the UFL in 2012.
Before that, Purnell served as the special-teams coach for Jacksonville from 2009-11.