Which offensive-minded candidates could the Carolina Panthers consider for their vacant head coaching position in 2023?
Although the Carolina Panthers mercifully ended Matt Rhule’s disastrous stint with the team after Week 5, there is no quick fix. This is a franchise in complete turmoil from top to bottom, which is further proof of the concerning way things have unfolded since David Tepper purchased the team from Jerry Richardson for a then-record $2.2 billion.
Tepper will obviously be involved in the hiring process as he continues to meddle in football affairs. However, it would also be beneficial for the Panthers to let general manager Scott Fitterer use his experience, put it to good use, and hopefully find the right guy.
This is something Tepper couldn’t manage with Rhule. And according to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, the billionaire is looking for an offensive guru to become Carolina’s next head coach in keeping with the current trend across the league.
That said, here are seven offensive-minded head coaching candidates the Panthers must target in this scenario.
Candidate No. 1
Carolina Panthers must consider Brian Callahan
Brian Callahan is a name of interest without a doubt. The Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator interviewed for the vacant position with the Denver Broncos earlier this year before they gave the job to Nathaniel Hackett – a decision those in power would probably like to have back at this juncture.
Callahan has progressed the Bengals’ offense significantly over the last two seasons. It helps when you have a quarterback like Joe Burrow and weapons such as Ja’Marr Chase, but this success could see an interview or two coming his way in 2023 and the Carolina Panthers could be among those making a call.
Carolina Panthers must consider Ben Johnson
The Detroit Lions might not have the record befitting of some encouraging progress since Dan Campbell took charge. But they do possess one of the more productive offensive units in the entire league despite the presence of Jared Goff under center.
This has seen the spotlight fall on the team’s offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as a potential head coaching candidate in 2023. He’s only been in the role for a matter of months following a deserved promotion from tight ends coach, but the impact made was immediate and something that won’t go unnoticed by other teams.
There is a steely determination about Johnson that’s hard not to love. The respected figure has worked hard to rise up the coaching ranks on various teams in multiple positions, which is an experience that’s served him well over his first NFL play-calling responsibilities.
The Carolina Panthers could look at Johnson if they feel he’s ready. Detroit ranks behind only the Buffalo Bills with 411.8 yards per game on offense, with a nice balance of run and pass thrown in for good measure.
Considering the Panthers’ complications generating any momentum offensively in 2022, they could do far worse than examine Johnson’s credentials given the team’s current plight.
Carolina Panthers must consider Byron Leftwich
One could make a strong case that Byron Leftwich should be a head coach already. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator was the subject of interest for many teams during the last hiring process before going in different directions, but 2023 could be the year he’s given the keys to the kingdom somewhere.
Leftwich is a former quarterback that’s highly respected by players and coaches alike. His methodical approach and ability to adjust on the fly came in for huge praise during Tampa Bay’s run to the Super Bowl in 2020 and although things aren’t going quite according to plan this season, that shouldn’t put the Carolina Panthers off from bringing him in for an interview, at the very least.
Many point to the fact Tom Brady is around and Bruce Arians’ big input into how the offense was deployed week to week. However, the contribution made by Leftwich cannot be ignored and it would be a travesty if he wasn’t given a top job at some stage.
This experience of working with the likes of Brady and Arians is a solid foundation that Leftwich can call upon if he gets the opportunity to carve out his own head coaching path. The fact this also weakens an NFC South rival only sweetens the deal for Carolina.
Leftwich would be a popular appointment. One that also fits David Tepper’s reported desire to get an offensive-minded coach to the Panthers in pursuit of finally getting this franchise trending in the right direction.
Carolina Panthers must consider Mike LaFleur
It’s been a remarkable turnaround for the New York Jets in 2022. Head coach Robert Saleh got some criticism over his first campaign with the franchise, but this was always going to take time and the progress made across the board through six weeks has many wondering whether Gang Green can end their playoff drought as a result.
Saleh prides himself on exceptional defense, which the Jets are rapidly becoming thanks in no small part to their decision to select stud cornerback Sauce Gardner early in the 2022 NFL Draft. However, offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur also deserves plaudits for finding ways to produce with and without former first-round selection Zach Wilson.
LaFleur is the brother of current Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, so the football roots are there for all to see. He also descends from the Kyle Shanahan coaching tree, which is known for its offensive prowess and creative schemes.
Creativity is something that’s been sorely lacking within the Carolina Panthers this season. Ben McAdoo is a relic and the offense falters constantly in the most significant way imaginable, so appointing LaFleur could instantly assist now that it looks like the organization finally has a reliable offensive line to call upon.
Carolina wouldn’t be alone in coveting LaFleur, one suspects. Especially if the Jets build on their newfound momentum in the coming weeks.
Carolina Panthers must consider Brian Johnson
There are plenty of admiring glances across the league toward the Philadelphia Eagles right now. The NFL’s last remaining unbeaten team is riding on the crest of a wave and looks primed for a strong postseason run, which is obviously going to attract attention to their coaches and whether they can make the step up to the prominent leadership position.
While there is every chance offensive coordinator Shane Steichen emerges as a leading candidate for the Carolina Panthers, those in positions of power could also take a look at Brian Johnson despite his lack of NFL play-calling experience.
Johnson is the team’s quarterbacks coach and is responsible for working wonders with Jalen Hurts over the last two years. He’s been an offensive coordinator at the college level, but as the Panthers found out to their cost, that doesn’t necessarily translate to a professional environment given how things played out with Joe Brady.
With that being said, this is a lively outsider that could gain interest. Especially if Hurts and the Eagles continue their sensational run of form throughout the campaign and into the playoffs.
At 35 years old, Johnson would be one of the league’s youngest head coaches. But team owner David Tepper is reportedly going to follow the trend of recent head coaching appointments league-wide, so it cannot be ruled out entirely.
Carolina Panthers must consider Eric Bieniemy
Had David Tepper appointed Eric Bieniemy over Matt Rhule in 2020, the Carolina Panthers might not be in the mess they find themselves in right now. Just why the Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator hasn’t been promoted to a top job is a mystery, but the billionaire might not look away a second time after a humbling first hiring process that brought about massive failure.
Bieniemy has the Chiefs’ offense humming this season. Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes are helping a lot, obviously, but there is now a consistent track record where the coach is concerned that cannot be ignored for much longer by other NFL teams.
Perhaps it was Bieniemy’s intention to work with Cam Newton that sent Tepper in a different direction. The owner and then Rhule wasted no time in removing the former NFL MVP from the equation, which brought about a series of cataclysmic moves at football’s most important position and even led them back to their former signal-caller in 2021.
It looks as if the Panthers will be looking to draft a top quarterback prospect from the college ranks next spring. Bieniemy has been instrumental in Mahomes’ development into an elite player, so there’s just no telling how beneficial he could be to Carolina and someone like Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud in this scenario.
With intriguing candidates emerging with every passing year, this might be Bieniemy’s final chance to attain a head coaching gig. Something that Reid stated should have happened long ago.
Carolina Panthers must consider Ken Dorsey
The Buffalo Bills look like the force we all thought they would be before the campaign. This stings for Carolina Panthers fans given how many former players, coaches, and front-office personnel have turned the AFC East team from also-rans into Super Bowl favorites in double-quick time.
This is likely to come with plenty of interview requests for Ken Dorsey when the time comes. The Bills’ offensive coordinator is going to be a hot commodity if things continue in a similar fashion throughout 2022, with his previous connection to the Panthers something that could lead to a sensational return to Carolina in 2023.
Dorsey spent time working under Ron Rivera as the team’s quarterbacks coach from 2013-17. This was the time Cam Newton was at the peak of his powers and Carolina enjoyed one of their most productive spells in franchise history that almost came with the elusive first Super Bowl triumph in 2015.
Of all the candidates set to get interviews, Dorsey will be coveted more than most. This has a detrimental impact on Carolina’s chances of tempting the respected coach to the organization in its current state.
If Dorsey has multiple offers on the table, it’s unlikely the Panthers will be his first choice despite his previous connection to the franchise. Therefore, it’s vital Carolina becomes an attractive destination for him or anyone else before the interview process commences.