The Carolina Panthers ultimately didn’t want Shane Steichen as their next head coach. But it looks like there is a team who does, and it should affect their next move.
On Sunday morning, just hours before kickoff of Super Bowl LVII, ESPN senior NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that the Indianapolis Colts have “targeted” Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen for their head-coaching job. Schefter also noted that the other candidates for the position have been informed that they’re “moving in a different direction.”
The Indianapolis Colts have targeted Eagles’ offensive coordinator Shane Steichen to be their next head coach after informing other remaining candidates this morning that they are moving in a different direction, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/VgUa5YFXfa
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 12, 2023
Even though the Panthers moved in a different direction from Steichen, such a hire would still affect their staff. Because if the Colts do indeed have their man, one of Carolina’s apparent favorites for their offensive coordinator opening probably won’t be going anywhere.
And that favorite is Eagles quarterbacks coach Brian Johnson, who will presumably step up into the vacancy soon to be left behind by Steichen. Johnson, who was in the mix for former interim head coach Steve Wilks’ prospective personnel as well as Frank Reich’s, was also set to speak with the Baltimore Ravens for their offensive coordinator job.
But since it’s likely Johnson sticks around for a promotion in Philly, where does that leave the Panthers’ search?
For now, the field could consist of three men—Duce Staley, who was hired by Carolina two weeks ago, Jacksonville Jaguars passing game coordinator Jim Bob Cooter and Los Angeles Rams assistant head coach and tight ends coach Thomas Brown. Staley is already an “in-house” candidate, Cooter has been deemed a “name to watch” and Brown is scheduled to meet with the Panthers for a second time on Thursday.
So, yes, the search will go on without one of the hottest commodities in the league.
