Could the Carolina Panthers look towards Eagles for next OC in 2023?

Could the Carolina Panthers look towards the Philadelphia Eagles for the next offensive coordinator if Steve Wilks becomes the permanent head coach?

After a sensational turnaround that shows no signs of slowing down just yet, momentum is building around Steve Wilks getting the head coaching gig in 2023. Derrick Brown was the latest Carolina Panthers player to lend his support on Good Morning Football this week, with the defensive tackle stating everyone within the locker room was on the same page regarding this issue.

Wilks has the Panthers at 6-9 after starting the campaign 1-5. If they win their final two fixtures, then Carolina secures the NFC South championship and the most unlikely postseason berth imaginable.

This has many wondering just what David Tepper is going to do surrounding Wilks this offseason. While the Rooney Rule dictates numerous interviews will occur before anything becomes official, the owner must be looking at the football product right now with the same sense of belief as everyone else.

Regardless of what transpires over the next fortnight, Wilks has staked his claim in no uncertain terms. Something that could provide the chance to permanently coach his hometown team, secure a franchise quarterback, and form a staff that can make Carolina relevant once again.

Brian Johnson named as potential Carolina Panthers OC candidate under Steve Wilks

Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated recently discussed the growing chances of Wilks becoming Carolina’s head coach beyond the current campaign. He also highlighted Brian Johnson as a potential candidate to replace Ben McAdoo as the team’s offensive coordinator in this eventuality.

"“I’m starting to think Wilks has a very legitimate chance to keep the Panthers’ job, build a staff of his own and get a real shot this time at being an NFL head coach. I think with some tweaks—one could be bringing someone such as Eagles quarterbacks coach Brian Johnson aboard to help run the offense—Wilks could really have the Panthers hitting the ground running in 2023.”"

Johnson is gaining a strong reputation in league circles for his work as quarterbacks coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. Jalen Hurts has come of age with his assistance as the NFC leaders take the NFL by storm, so a promotion either with his current employers or elsewhere next season is a distinct possibility.

This would be a tremendous hire by Wilks. Especially considering the interim has already made no secret of his intentions to find a long-term solution under center despite Sam Darnold’s resurgence.

Having Johnson around with someone like C.J. Stroud, Will Levis, or Anthony Richardson on the books would be a major asset. One that could speed up their own development exponentially based on Hurts’ incredible rise to prominence.

One potential stumbling block would be Nick Sirianni offering Johnson the same position in the event Shane Steichen gets a head coaching opportunity as expected. This would no doubt tempt the former University of Utah standout given Philadelphia’s current trajectory.

Only time will tell, obviously. Wilks has to get the job first from the unpredictable Tepper, but he must also be trusted to put the right coaches in place working in cohesion with general manager Scott Fitterer.

Johnson ticks all the boxes, that’s for sure. But there promises to be many twists and turns to come before everything gets rubber-stamped.