Who will the Carolina Panthers choose from their confirmed shortlist so far to replace Frank Reich as their next head coach in the coming weeks?
More could be on the way, but the Carolina Panthers already have a comprehensive list of options to become their next head coach in 2024. David Tepper is doing things differently this time around. He fired general manager Scott Fitterer. He's brought in a consultancy firm to assist with the process. This represents the complete reset many fans were looking for.
There's a nice blend of youth and experience in the mix. The Panthers have a solid balance between offensive and defensive guys. They need to sell the project effectively considering the increased competition for jobs after bombshell developments with the Seattle Seahawks and Tennessee Titans in recent days.
This has to go right for Tepper. He's come under severe fire for his suspect decisions and petulant acts this season. He can go a long way to appeasing the fanbase by finally providing them with a coaching leader who can lead the Panthers back to prosperity.
With this in mind, we ranked the 12 shortlisted candidates under consideration in terms of preference. For transparency, if Jim Harbaugh becomes a confirmed target, he immediately goes to No. 1 on this list.
12. Carolina Panthers could hire Chris Tabor
- Interim Head Coach | Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers revealed they'd held a virtual interview with interim head coach Chris Tabor. This was probably more of a courtesy than any legitimate interest. David Tepper is aiming for a bigger fish, but keeping the respected coach around to manage the special teams under his third head coach wouldn't be the worst idea in the world.
That would be an idea for the new head coach to contemplate. Interviewing Tabor represents due diligence from the Panthers, but no more than that.
11. Carolina Panthers could hire Brian Johnson
- Offensive Coordinator | Philadelphia Eagles
One of the more recent names added to the list was Brian Johnson. The Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator has come under criticism in recent weeks following the team's significant drop in form. Even when things were going well for the defending NFC conference champions, the offense was not running as smoothly as when Shane Steichen was running the show.
While it's worth bringing Johnson in for an interview, there seem to be too many question marks about his first-year calling plays to legitimately put him in the conversation to become Carolina Panthers head coach. There's also a chance Philadelphia will cut this experiment short if they're bounced out of the playoffs early.
10. Carolina Panthers could hire Dan Quinn
- Defensive Coordinator | Dallas Cowboys
Dan Quinn might be higher on most lists, and that's fine. He's a quality coach and a supreme defensive savant. He's in high demand around the league. Despite these positives, I don't think that the Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator is the right man to lead the Panthers into their exciting new era.
Quinn enjoyed some head coaching success with the Atlanta Falcons. The Super Bowl collapse against the New England Patriots began their demise. While he's galvanized his career in Dallas, questions from a prominent leadership position seem obvious.
Besides, Quinn to the Seattle Seahawks makes too much sense after the Pete Carroll era shockingly concluded.
9. Carolina Panthers could hire Dave Canales
- Offensive Coordinator | Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Offensive coordinator Dave Canales has a close relationship with Dan Morgan from their time together with the Seattle Seahawks. Considering how the former linebacker's influence has grown since Scott Fitterer's firing earlier this week, it's no surprise to see his name on the Carolina Panthers' shortlist.
Canales has done a nice job of turning Baker Mayfield's career around with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this season en route to the NFC South title. It's not been perfect, but they found a way to get the job done. Although he's a progressive figure, this might be too soon for another jump up into a head coaching position.
8. Carolina Panthers could hire Brian Callahan
- Offensive Coordinator | Cincinnati Bengals
Brian Callahan did a good job in difficult circumstances as Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator this season. Their offense remained productive despite losing stud quarterback Joe Burrow to an early-season injury. It wasn't enough to reach the playoffs, but it shows an ability to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity.
Callahan would be considered a dark horse for the Panthers' job. His schematic concepts have the right balance. The offensive line blocking schemes could use some work, so whether he's done enough for team owner David Tepper to take the plunge remains to be seen.
Getting a closer examination of Callahan's credentials and ethos during an interview will tell those in power more about what he could potentially bring to the organization. I just don't see this move being confirmed.
7. Carolina Panthers could hire Ejiro Evero
- Defensive Coordinator | Carolina Panthers
Ejiro Evero did a tremendous job in tough conditions this season. The defensive coordinator never had a full-strength unit to call upon. He made the best out of a bad situation, getting the best out of the players at his disposal en route to a decent enough campaign overall.
Evero will get an interview for the Carolina Panthers head coaching job. The franchise blocked an offer from the Jacksonville Jaguars for their vacant defensive coordinator position. This could indicate a willingness to keep him around under the new head coach if he doesn't do enough to attain a promotion.
It would be a surprise if Evero got the gig. He's got the experience and is a progressive thinker. But the lack of interest from around the league following a two-win campaign doesn't look too promising.
6. Carolina Panthers could hire Todd Monken
- Offensive Coordinator | Baltimore Ravens
Todd Monken wasted no time in making his presence felt with the Baltimore Ravens. The improved weapons around star quarterback Lamar Jackson helped, but there's been a lot to like about his play-calling strategies after leaving the two-time national college football champion Georgia Bulldogs.
Monken is a little older than the rest, but he's kept up with the latest trends while others seem stuck in their ways. Not many thought he'd ever leave the college level - let alone have ambitions to become an NFL head coach - but taking on a significant project such as the Panthers and helping quarterback Bryce Young fulfill his undoubted promise might be an intriguing proposition despite just one season as an offensive coordinator since returning to the pros.
5. Carolina Panthers could hire Raheem Morris
- Defensive Coordinator | Los Angeles Rams
Raheem Morris might be considered a retread by many, which is understandable. It's been more than a decade since he was a permanent head coach - although he did spend time as an interim coaching leader with the Atlanta Falcons. But the Panthers could do far worse than look in his direction.
Morris is a well-rounded coach and a proven leader of men. He's got a defensive background primarily, but he's also got the right offensive know-how to suggest some balance could be found if he gets the right offensive coordinator into the building.
The Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator worked wonders with a young group this season en route to the playoffs. He's gaining more interest than Evero around the league. That is also telling.
4. Carolina Panthers could hire Frank Smith
- Offensive Coordinator | Miami Dolphins
Frank Smith was visibly emotional when speaking about the prospect of becoming Carolina Panthers head coach in front of the media. He's risen through the NFL coaching ranks steadily. His reputation is flourishing as a supreme influence behind the explosive Miami Dolphins offense. He's also got vast experience working with offensive lines throughout his time in the league.
One thing working against Smith is how much of Miami's success is down to Mike McDaniel's concepts. That's up for debate. But there's no doubt he will have learned the heart of innovation and risk-taking from the head coach and working under Sean McVay with the Los Angeles Rams.
Again, this is a calculated gamble if the Panthers went in this direction. If everything went well and Smith continued his encouraging upward trend, the rewards would be substantial.
3. Carolina Panthers could hire Bobby Slowik
- Offensive Coordinator | Houston Texans
There are more than a few envious glances directed towards the Houston Texans right now. Hiring DeMeco Ryans as head coach and drafting quarterback C.J. Stroud turned a team once tipped to have the No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft into the AFC South champion and a playoff appearance in just one season. I don't need to tell you that things didn't go nearly as well for the Carolina Panthers.
This is bringing some deserved attention to Bobby Slowik's door during the current hiring cycle. He's worked wonders with Stroud. He's managed to mold his offense to the young signal-caller's strengths. Despite not having a productive running game, the offensive coordinator's made it work.
Giving Slowik a shot could make a significant difference to Bryce Young's development. He's also from the famous Shanahan tree, which has brought untold success around the league. The Panthers could sure use some of that.
2. Carolina Panthers could hire Mike Macdonald
- Defensive Coordinator | Baltimore Ravens
It's not just the Baltimore Ravens offense that's been thriving of late. Mike Macdonald has masterminded the demise of some of the league's most prolific offenses over the second half of 2023. Something that's seen his head coaching stock soar at the best possible time.
Macdonald would need an offensive plan for the Panthers - or someone else for that matter - to take the plunge. This would also spell the end of current defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero's time with the franchise unless a compromise could be reached.
This time of year is all about momentum. If Baltimore's defense continues to progress and they make a deep postseason run -potentially ending with a Super Bowl triumph - that's exactly the sort of forward-thinking the Panthers need to pick themselves off the canvas.
1. Carolina Panthers could hire Ben Johnson
- Offensive Coordinator | Detroit Lions
The Carolina Panthers making Ben Johnson their No. 1 target is the worst-kept secret in football. David Tepper wanted him last year before he opted to remain with the Detroit Lions. After another exceptional season, expect another bold bid this time around.
Johnson is the hottest name in this year's cycle. He's received interview requests from numerous teams. He's got plenty of leverage during potential negotiations. It'll be a tough sell for Tepper, but reports suggest the interest could be mutual.
This would be a home-run hire for the Panthers in every sense of the word. Johnson has close connections to the area. He has innovative schematic concepts that bring the best out of his players. The way he's managed to bring Detroit's offensive line along into one of the NFL's most prolific units cannot be looked at with anything other than encouragement.
Tepper would likely hire Johnson tomorrow if he agreed. Unfortunately for the billionaire, he might not be alone in that regard.
The Washington Commanders are reportedly keen. The Tennessee Titans also put in a request. This might center on how much the respected play-caller believes in quarterback Bryce Young when push comes to shove.
The Panthers need a contingency plan if Johnson decides to take his chances elsewhere, which is entirely possible given how attractive the Commanders' head coaching position appears in comparison. But if Tepper can pull this off, it will go a long way to getting a disillusioned fanbase back onside.