4 offensive coordinator candidates if Panthers keep Steve Wilks in 2023
By Dean Jones
Which potential offensive coordinators could the Carolina Panthers target if they decide to move forward with Steve Wilks as head coach in 2023?
Considering how bleak things looked for the Carolina Panthers before David Tepper finally fired Matt Rhule, it’s been encouraging to see some genuine progress under Steve Wilks. The interim appointment had a significant task, but the respected figure has brought everyone together and installed a sense of belief that was seldom seen when the newly crowned Nebraska head coach called the shots.
The Panthers are 3-4 with Wilks at the helm. Something that’s come with glowing praise and perhaps even doing enough to convince Tepper he’s worthy of the job long-term.
Much will depend on how Wilks and his squad perform after the bye week. But there is growing support within the locker room, which is a completely different place without Rhule’s incompetence holding them back.
If this scenario comes to fruition, some changes are needed on offense and especially where Ben McAdoo is concerned. With this in mind, here are four offensive coordinator candidates to target if the Panthers keep Wilks in 2023.
Offensive Coordinator No. 1
Carolina Panthers could target Brian Johnson
It’s hard not to be impressed with the Philadelphia Eagles this season. They look primed for a deep Super Bowl run and this could mean some admiring glances are cast on their impressive coaching staff working behind Nick Sirianni.
If the Carolina Panthers go down this route, then Brian Johnson is an intriguing offensive coordinator option in 2023. The quarterbacks’ coach came into the fold from the Florida Gators in 2021 and immediately began working his magic with Jalen Hurts, who is a legitimate NFL MVP candidate after a sensational campaign to date.
Johnson is less experienced than most and has never called plays at the NFL level. But he is progressive and could assist with the development of whatever signal-caller Carolina drafts next spring.