A couple hours after signing a two-year deal with the Carolina Panthers Monday morning, safety Kurt Coleman met with local reporters. Here’s what you need to know about the newest Panther:–The Eagles took him in the seventh round of the 2010 draft.

Sean McDermott was the Eagles defensive coordinator back then, so Coleman, who’s played under six defensive coordinators in five seasons, reunites with McDermott in Carolina.

Coleman: “The interest level that Carolina showed in me was phenomenal, and I know Sean very well, so I was excited that they showed interest in me, … It’s good to have a nice relationship with your DC. I know what I was getting myself into, and I know the type of coach he’s going to be. He’s going to bring out the best in me.”

–The 26-year-old can play both strong and free safety.

According to Pro Football Focus, Coleman has more experience at free safety (42 games) than at strong safety (18 games), but his flexibility is a big plus. He’s just 5-foot-11 and 200 pounds, but he has a reputation as a hard hitter.

Coleman: “I feel very comfortable at both positions, … I want to help this team out, and if my skill set is suited to be closer to the line and strong safety, put me there. If you see me playing deep, I want to be able to make plays on the ball. But whether I’m close to the line, off the line, I’m going to make plays, and I’m going to help be a leader, be a vet, and help be a consistent force to be reckoned with when I’m out there.”

–He’s very confident he can earn a starting spot in Carolina.

Coleman was a starter in Philly from 2011-12, but he played just 74 defensive snaps when Chip Kelly became head coach in 2013. In his two seasons as a starter, he totaled 171 tackles, nine passes defended, six interceptions and two forced fumbles. After signing with the Vikings last spring, Coleman was released in the final round of roster cuts. He then landed in Kansas City, where he started three games. Despite playing behind Husain Abdullah, Eric Berry and Ron Parker, Coleman led the Chiefs with three interceptions. He also had six passes defended, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

Coleman: “I know I can start in this league, no question, … Wherever I would go, I feel as though I’m good enough to play. I want to earn a starting spot. I want to start again and they believe that I can come in here and have the opportunity to.”

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Boston helped solidify the Panthers’ defense when the rookie was inserted into the lineup late last year, but he’s not yet a lock to start the season at free safety. Neither is Harper on the strong side.

Coleman: “I think that’s going to be the great thing about this offseason and going into training camp. We’re going to be competitive, the best man’s going to win, and ultimately, as a player, I want the best guys to win and play because that’s going to make us the best team.”

–He’s another addition to the Panthers’ special teams makeover.

Coleman played special teams during each of his previous five seasons, including roles on the Chiefs’ kickoff and punt return teams last year.

Coleman: “I’ve been able to play it all, I’ve been able to play it well, and I think that just adds to the greatness of what this team and what the coaches and the GM are trying to build here, and that’s a total caliber team that can go not only into the playoffs, but deep and then win a championship.”

–He’s the fourth Ohio State product on the Panthers’ roster.

There are now more former Buckeyes (Coleman, Corey Brown, Andrew Norwell, Ted Ginn) in the locker room than any other school. Oregon State and USC are tied for second with three each.

“This is the most I’ve ever been surrounded with Buckeyes. It feels really good. I’ve usually been the lone survivor, so it’s good to know I have some other guys around me.”