Here we are again.
For the second time in as many years, the Carolina Panthers are in the market for a new head coach. Monday morning’s firing of Frank Reich, who lasted a miserable 11 games in Charlotte, now opens the door for yet another leader for this unstable franchise.
So, who will that leader be?
Well, it’s still too early to tell. But here are 15 possible candidates that could be of interest to owner David Tepper and company:
In-house candidates
OC Thomas Brown: Bumping up Brown would keep the situation at least a little stable for the Panthers and quarterback Bryce Young.
DC Ejiro Evero: All things considered, Evero has done an outstanding job keeping his defense together and is very likely to have a head-coaching job somewhere next season. But it may not be for Tepper, who’s still probably on the hunt for an offensive-minded candidate.
Assistant HC/RB coach Duce Staley: Staley is extremely well-liked amongst his players, from all of his coaching stops. He can bring some respectability and the energy that’s otherwise been missing from the role.
QB coach Josh McCown: If we’re catering to the face of the franchise, why not give his personal coach a look? McCown, who was in play for the Houston Texans’ head-coaching gig in 2022, is already tight with Young.
Senior assistant Jim Caldwell: Caldwell was the first candidate to interview for the opening earlier this year. He brings the experience and offense wisdom Tepper has coveted.
Top contenders
Detroit Lions OC Ben Johnson: Tepper was reportedly enamored with Johnson before he landed on Reich. That plus his admirable work up north will have him leading this conversation for weeks to come.
Washington Commanders assistant HC/OC Eric Bieniemy: A candidate for the Panthers before the Matt Rhule hiring, Bieniemy is long overdue for a shot at the helm in the NFL.
University of Michigan HC Jim Harbaugh: Speaking of Rhule, Tepper is trying to steer clear from giving his head coach czar-like power, something Harbaugh would almost certainly command. But, per usual, his name will be mentioned throughout this process.
Los Angeles Chargers OC Kellen Moore: Moore was seemingly in it until the end for the Panthers in January. He, like Reich, earned himself a second interview with the organization.
New England Patriots OC/QB coach Bill O’Brien: What O’Brien has done with the Pats offense this year isn’t exactly inspiring. But his four division titles in Houston and two-year run with Young at the University of Alabama may appeal to Carolina.
Dark horses
Philadelphia Eagles OC Ben Johnson: Johnson is continuing to rise with yet another dominant offensive campaign for the birds.
Houston Texans OC Bobby Slowik: Thanks to Slowik, Houston’s impressive offense is getting a ton out of their young quarterback.
Miami Dolphins OC Frank Smith: Who wouldn’t want a piece of that Dolphins offense?
Seattle Seahawks OC Shane Waldron: Waldron has been a pretty hot name for a few years now.
New England Patriots HC Bill Belichick: Nah, right . . . ?
