Which Carolina Panthers news stories are hitting the headlines as the team's interview process looks set to intensify in the coming days?
This is an exciting and nervous time for Carolina Panthers fans. On one hand, they are awaiting the start of what will hopefully be an exciting new era. On the other, they are moving forward with cautious optimism given how David Tepper handled the previous two hiring cycles under his ownership.
Developments are ongoing and rapid with fierce competition around the league. While we wait for more, the stories causing conversation include Ikem Ekwonu's mindset, Raheem Morris coming under the microscope, Carolina's hoping for offensive line continuity next season, and a date is set for the Panthers' pivotal meeting with Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Carolina Panthers to interview Raheem Morris today
As previously stated, the Carolina Panthers are frantically interviewing prospective general manager and head coach candidates. Time is of the essence with several other teams also seeking to find the right men to turn around their fortunes. Depending on what transpires with the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles following their early postseason exits, more openings could be on the way.
According to multiple reports, the Panthers are set to interview Raheem Morris later today (Wednesday). The Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator is a well-rounded coach. He is a leader of men. He's worked under prestigious head coaches such as Mike Shanahan and Sean McVay. He's held a top job previously.
There's a lot to like about Morris' credentials. He's exactly the sort of character Carolina needs to restore the culture. Whether David Tepper's got his sights set elsewhere is another matter.
Bradley Bozeman on Carolina Panthers OL struggles
When one examines the reasons behind such a woeful season, attention immediately turns to the offensive line. Bryce Young needed a consistently clean pocket to maximize the less-than-stellar weapons at his disposal. After an encouraging 2022 campaign, things regressed considerably along the protection.
Injuries didn't help, but the offensive line was constantly exposed. They were lackluster in pass protection. The blocking concepts didn't suit the skill set of most. It was just a complete mess from start to finish and Young suffered as a result.
Despite the struggles, Bradley Bozeman credited offensive line coach James Campen for getting everyone prepared effectively amid almost constant turnover to the starting unit via the team's website. Unfortunately, this didn't come with any consistency attached whatsoever.
"Coach Campen does a great job of making sure the right combinations are being put together, making sure that we guys are good experience with each other. He did a great job there at training camp, OTAs of rolling all those guys in there getting reps, so it wasn't like the first time we've ever played together. That really helps."Bradley Bozeman via Panthers.com
It's unlikely Campen will be retained under another coaching change. As for Bozeman? The Carolina Panthers need to find a better balance to the blocking schematics. The former sixth-round pick - like many others - is a downhill power blocker. Those zone concepts implemented by Frank Reich and Thomas Brown were a failure from the start.
Confidence in Ikem Ekwonu
Nobody expected Ikem Ekwonu to regress during his second season with the Carolina Panthers. The left tackle struggled with his technique. He looked devoid of any confidence. He gave up countless pressures and sacks - some in critical moments. Not exactly what many were anticipating after a tremendous rookie campaign.
Ekwonu stated recently he wouldn't be too keen on a switch to the interior. That's for the new head coach and general manager to decide, but tight end Tommy Tremble is confident the former first-round selection out of North Carolina State can bounce back after his severe sophomore slump based on comments via Joe Person of The Athletic.
"He’s a guy we all believe in. He’s a different cat. There’s a lot of people in the league. You can see who can play and who can’t, and he’s one of those guys who can really help you win. I think he’s dedicated to getting everything to the best of his ability, and I know he’s gonna do that, man. He puts in the work."Tommy Tremble via The Athletic
There is a lot of hard work ahead for Ekwonu this offseason. The poor form dictates as much, but the fact opposing teams were identifying him as an area of weakness in Carolina's under-strength protection was the most concerning element.
Giving up on Ekwonu this early would be foolish. But make no mistake, the jury is still out as to whether the Panthers have their long-term franchise blindside presence.
Carolina Panthers get their big date with Ben Johnson
Although the Carolina Panthers are going through the interview process - casting the net far and wide - to find their next head coach, it's no secret who the primary candidate is. Team owner David Tepper is a long-standing admirer of Ben Johnson, who enhanced his credentials further thanks to a play-calling masterclass during the Detroit Lions' wildcard triumph over the Los Angeles Rams last weekend.
Johnson looks more than ready for the step up. There are multiple interview requests on his desk. After much deliberation, the progressive offensive coordinator decided to have a meeting with the Panthers.
This is set for Friday. Johnson will likely be interviewing the Panthers as much as they'll be interviewing him. As expected, the coveted coach also agreed to speak with the Washington Commanders and Seattle Seahawks after the latter put in a late bid for his services.
It would be a surprise if Johnson didn't have his pick of destinations when push comes to shove. He's from the Charlotte area and attended North Carolina, but he'll need complete assurances about the strategy in place. This might be difficult without a confirmed general manager, although the chances of Dan Morgan stepping into the role grow larger with every passing day.
The Commanders look like they're building something special under Josh Harris and new general manager Adam Peters. That's a tough job to turn down in a big market. The same goes for the Seahawks, who have some exceptional pieces in place and weren't that far away this season.
An interesting few days await.