Who could the Carolina Panthers identify as potential head coaching candidates if David Tepper opts to part ways with current figurehead Frank Reich?
After the Carolina Panthers moved to 1-9 with a home loss against the Dallas Cowboys, head coach Frank Reich's job status is hanging by a thread. It's been a complete disaster up to now and even though David Tepper would be throwing in the towel on another hiring misfire, this scenario is becoming more likely with every passing reverse.
This sentiment was echoed by Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports. The insider stated that vultures are circling and interested parties are already looking at the Panthers as a possible destination, which is a far cry from the ambitious delusions outlined by those in power before the campaign.
Reich's cut a forlorn figure this week as he wrestled back play-calling duties from Thomas Brown. Although most deemed this move as one of desperation and another sign that the pressure is well and truly on.
With that being said, here are eight potential candidates if the Panthers decide to cut ties with Reich either during or after the 2023 season.
Carolina Panthers could hire Wes Phillips
- Offensive Coordinator | Minnesota Vikings
One team not moaning about their current predicament despite being ravaged by injuries is the Minnesota Vikings. This offense continues to perform at a high standard without Kirk Cousins under center, which is thanks in no small part to the flourishing relationship between head coach Kevin O'Connell and offensive coordinator Wes Phillips.
The grandson of legendary coach Bum Phillips has worked his way through the ranks, coaching tight ends in Washington before running the Los Angeles Rams' passing game under Sean McVay. O'Connell then brought him to the Vikings where the success continued.
While this wouldn't be the flashiest hire imaginable, the Carolina Panthers would be getting a progressive offensive mind from the McVay coaching tree. This sort of innovation could do wonders for quarterback Bryce Young moving forward.
Carolina Panthers could hire Eric Bieniemy
- Assistant Head Coach, Offensive Coordinator | Washington Commanders
Had the Carolina Panthers pulled the trigger on hiring Eric Bieniemy instead of appointing Matt Rhule in 2020, they might not be in this mess. David Tepper thought he'd pulled a masterstroke, which quickly turned into three years of complete incompetence that set the franchise back considerably.
Bieniemy took a big risk this offseason by leaving the Super Bowl champion Kanas City Chiefs in favor of more responsibilities and full offensive control with the Washington Commanders. Ron Rivera's given him plenty of tasks in keeping with those occupying top jobs and it's brought out the best in the respected figure.
The Commanders' offense is pass-heavy, but it's flourishing under Bieniemy. One only has to look a quarterback Sam Howell's development to see what a similar impact he could have on Bryce Young, who is being failed by the current regime right now.
Washington is in the midst of big changes as Josh Harris' ownership group begins to involve themselves in football matters. Many expect Rivera to be let go, so a situation could emerge where Bieniemy gets the promotion he's craved for so long in the nation's capital.
If the Commanders go in a different direction, Bieniemy should be a hot commodity after proving he has what it takes to run an offense without Andy Reid. His tough approach isn't for everybody, but the results are there for all to see.
Carolina Panthers could hire Frank Smith
- Offensive Coordinator | Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins offense has taken the NFL by storm this season. They are a high-powered attack that relies heavily on speed and creating yards after the catch, which is deployed with supreme efficiency thanks to a diverse offensive scheme led by head coach Mike McDaniel.
While McDaniel deserves a lot of credit for the way he's galvanized this group, Frank Smith's contribution cannot be overlooked. The offensive coordinator is a huge part of the week-to-week strategies in Miami, which could lead to some head coaching opportunities soon depending on how the Dolphins fare from here on out.
Miami took a huge risk by hiring McDaniel and is reaping the rewards when other teams didn't have enough conviction. That isn't a mistake those looking for new head coaches plan to make again, so Smith getting a top job in 2024 is a realistic possibility.
Should the Carolina Panthers decide to move forward without Frank Reich after just one season, they need to stick with their offensive-minded approach. This time, team owner David Tepper must get his next hire correct.
If that means going against the grain with someone like Smith, so be it. He's also got experience as a play-caller in college and has coached almost every offensive position group in the NFL.
There's also no telling how much Smith has picked up from McDaniel in terms of philosophy. Something else the up-and-coming coach has in his favor.
Carolina Panthers could hire Ben Johnson
- Offensive Coordinator | Detroit Lions
Ben Johnson turned down the chance to interview for the Carolina Panthers head coaching role in 2023. He was reportedly extremely high on their list of options, which led David Tepper to bring Frank Reich into the fold instead.
This rash move isn't bearing fruit and Tepper is facing the prospect of another head coaching reset as a result. Going back to Johnson again should be considered - whether he'll see this as a good enough opportunity remains to be seen.
Johnson has boosted his credentials further this season with the Detroit Lions. His scheme is electrifying and dynamic in equal measure, something that's reignited quarterback Jared Goff's career and arguably makes him the No. 1 option during the upcoming head coaching cycle.
Interest in Johnson is going to be high. Somewhere like the Washington Commanders could be deemed more attractive under new ownership in a big market, but having a promising quarterback in Bryce Young might lead the play-caller to re-evaluate a homecoming of sorts.
Anyone fortunate enough to land Johnson is getting a top-level coach. One that looks more ready than ready for the step up after deciding to remain with Dan Campbell for the 2023 campaign.
This would be an ideal hire for Young and a stagnant Panthers offense. It's whether Johnson deems working for Tepper a stable enough environment to flourish.
Carolina Panthers could hire Bobby Slowik
- Offensive Coordinator | Houston Texans
One of the reasons why there is so much frustration with quarterback Bryce Young's lack of production has nothing to do with the signal-caller. It's what is happening with No. 2 pick C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans.
Stroud is in a fantastic situation and has emerged as a shock NFL MVP candidate following a phenomenal opening to the campaign. DeMeco Ryans fully trusts his quarterback and offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik's scheme is tailored around the former Ohio State standout - bringing incredible growth along the way.
This is something Young doesn't have the benefit of right now. Frank Reich is trying to fit him into an already-devised system that just doesn't mesh with his talent - one of the primary reasons why the head coach is firmly on the hot seat and almost past the point of no return.
If you can't beat them, join them. What better way for Young to grow into a franchise-caliber presence under center than with Slowik - a descendent of the Kyle Shanahan coaching tree with the progressive thinking to maximize the tools at his disposal?
This makes a ton of sense in more ways than one.
Slowik's previous experience molding a first-year quarterback in Stroud is something the Carolina Panthers are desperate for. The fact he's held in the highest regard by Ryans and others around the league only sweetens the pot.
Carolina Panthers could promote from within
Another option the Carolina Panthers have if they deem Frank Reich surplus to requirements is promoting from within. This is normally a riskier move unless they get a solid audition in an interim role, but even that might not be enough to impress the impulsive David Tepper when push comes to shove.
Just ask Steve Wilks.
The Panthers spared no expense to form what they perceived to be an elite-level coaching staff before the campaign. If Tepper does remove Reich from the equation, there are several worthy candidates already in the building.
Ejiro Evero is the obvious name. The defensive coordinator has done well considering all the injury complications on that side of the football. He is still highly respected in league circles as a future head coach despite what's unfolding in Carolina this season.
Evero would be the most likely to be promoted, one suspects. Others who could also be given the responsibility are Jim Caldwell, Duce Staley, or Thomas Brown, who found it hard to hide his disappointment after Reich took back play-calling responsibilities after just three games.
If this is something the Panthers consider, it would be worth giving their chosen guy - probably Evero - a chance to show what he's capable of over Carolina's final few games. Whether momentum can be generated in the franchise's current state is another matter.
Carolina Panthers could hire Todd Monken
- Offensive Coordinator | Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens look like a team that could do some damage when the postseason arrives. Their defense has always been a force to be reckoned with, but offensive coordinator Todd Monken has the offense finally living up to expectations with Lamar Jackson under center.
Improved schematic concepts, better playmakers, and an NFL MVP candidate distributing the football have been an absolute revelation in Baltimore. Monken is no stranger to success having come from the two-time national champion Georgia Bulldogs, but his latest accomplishments might see other teams identify him as a head coaching candidate.
Monken's previous stints as offensive coordinator with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Jacksonville Jaguars didn't go according to plan. But it seems as if the penny has finally dropped with Monken, who's drawn rave reviews from Jackson and head coach John Harbaugh for conjuring an immediate turnaround in such a short space of time.
When the Ravens convinced Monken to leave a successful college program, it was seen as the spark that could ignite Jackson to greater things. That looks to be the case, which won't have gone unnoticed by the Carolina Panthers if they decide to start fresh without Frank Reich in 2024.
This also fits the mold of wanting a coach capable of nurturing Bryce Young's talents. The Ravens would fight hard to keep him around, but Monken looks ready for that next step with so much experience to call upon.
Carolina Panthers could hire Jim Harbaugh
- Head Coach | Michigan Wolverines
The Carolina Panthers need a complete culture reset. The enthusiasm and everyone buying in achieved by Steve Wilks during his brief stint as interim head coach last season has long gone - replaced by misery, excuses, and a disillusioned fanbase completely demoralized.
If Frank Reich is deemed surplus to requirements, Jim Harbaugh is a name that would shake things up in no time at all. The current Michigan head coach seems destined for an NFL return due to his ongoing disputes with the Big 10 and NCAA, which stem from sign stealing and other alleged misdemeanors in pursuit of gaining an advantage.
It might sound strange, but this sort of cutthroat nature is something that could revitalize the Panthers. Harbaugh doesn't suffer fools gladly, so whipping this underperforming roster into shape should be a challenge he'll relish.
Getting such a high-profile coach is the sort of big splash David Tepper would consider as a coup. It would cost a pretty penny and Harbaugh would also need a huge say in personnel matters, but this might be the feast-or-famine move that gets the Panthers back into contention.
Harbaugh is a tough man to like by all accounts. But he gets the job done by any means necessary. It's been a long time since Carolina had that sort of ruthlessness at the head coaching position.