NFL Coaching Rumors: Panthers Interview Everyone Under the Sun as Eagles Hope to Retain Brian Johnson

Ever since firing coach Frank Reich on November 7, 2023, the Carolina Panthers haven’t wasted any time in finding a new coach for the team. Among multiple names selected for the interview round, the franchise now has added Eagles‘ OC Brian Johnson’s name to the list. Furthermore, they already have nine names for the interview besides Johnson in their list.

Panthers’ owner David Tepper dismissed coach Frank Reich, just 24 hours after he left the locker room expressing frustration following the team’s 17-10 loss to the Titans in Nashville. By that time, Carolina concluded with the team holding the lowest record of just 1 win in 11 games. The firing of Reich, made him the first NFL HC since the 1970 merger to be fired in consecutive seasons, following his removal from the Colts last year. And now Tepper is eyeing for Eagles OC Johnson, among others.

A new name to the list: Brian Johnson

The Eagles, despite facing challenges this season, managed to secure 11 wins. And now, according to the reports, on Wednesday, the Panthers have requested the offensive play-caller Brian Johnson for an interview. This will be his first opportunity for an NFL head coaching role. Johnson transitioning from a college offensive coordinator to an NFL play-caller, has experience at both levels. His previous connection with Jalen Hurts’ development as the Eagles’ QB coach adds to his appeal. Furthermore, he has also served as Dak Prescott’s quarterback coach at Mississippi State. The Panthers had considered him earlier too when Steve Wilks was looking for an OC, but the position went to Frank Reich. Now, as Wilks is given the role to interview head coach candidates again, he might consider Johnson as priority.

Apart from Brian Johnson, the franchise, as announced on Monday, has also requested nine figures for interviews for the head coach position. All nine are: “Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan, Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith, Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken and Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales.”

Johnson’s entry marked the 10th name to be added to the Panthers’ list of options for the position. He will be able to give his interview later, as technically, in the present, he isn’t allowed to do so.

When will Brian Johnson be interviewed for the Panthers’ HC position?

Brian Johnson is currently unavailable for a head coaching interview according to the NFL rules. Since the Eagles are in the wildcard round, any potential interview would need to wait until after their upcoming playoff game against the Buccaneers. Additionally, if the Eagles advance, the interview must happen before the divisional round. The earliest a virtual interview for Johnson could occur is Wednesday, January 17.

Meanwhile, when this interview news broke, shortly after that, Johnson was asked about his thoughts on the potential opportunity. To which he replied, “All of my focus is about this week. We’ve got a great opportunity with a special group of people to go out there and put on a great performance against Tampa Bay. And that’s where our focus and energy is at the moment.”

Read more: “None of Us Are Quitters”: Nick Sirianni Delivers Passionate Promise as Eagles End Season With 10–27 Humiliation

So, will Johnson be hired as the new head coach of the Panthers for the next season? What do you think?

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