The Carolina Panthers have ten coaching candidates locked in for interviews. The list includes seven offensive coordinators and three defensive coordinators. Who emerges as the top candidate?
Note: This list will only mention coaches have have officially scheduled interviews with the team, so Bill Belichick and Kellen Moore will not be included.
The Carolina Panthers 10 Coaching Candidates, Ranked
10. Brian Johnson, Philadelphia Eagles Offensive Coordinator
If Brian Johnson were the offensive coordinator of the 2022 Philadelphia Eagles, this would be a no-brainer. However, the Eagles have one of the worst offenses in the league, particularly over the last month, despite having the best offensive line in the league and elite weapons. Much of that can be credited to the design of the offense. Johnson has struggled to commit to successful plays, which could be detrimental to a young quarterback like Bryce Young.
9. Mike MacDonald, Baltimore Ravens Defensive Coordinator
The Baltimore Ravens defense has been as highly touted as the offense this season, and deservedly so. Mike Macdonald oversaw an incredible season for the Ravens defense. It seems unlikely the Panthers would target a defensive-minded head coach, given the issues with the offense. Additionally, among the candidates coming from the defensive side of the ball, Macdonald has the least NFL experience.
8. Dan Quinn, Dallas Cowboys Defensive Coordinator
Dan Quinn is one of the most fascinating candidates on this list. He deserves to be a head coach, after overseeing one of the best defenses in the league. At the same time, he was the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons during the infamous Tom Brady Super Bowl comeback.
During Quinn’s first two years as the Falcons coach, he relied on then-rising star Kyle Shanahan to build an elite offense. After Shanahan moved on, the Falcons only had one more winning season before Quinn was fired in 2020. Even though Quinn is a quality defensive mind, he would need to bring in a quality offensive coordinator to oversee Bryce Young’s development.
7. Brian Callahan, Cincinnati Bengals Offensive Coordinator
It is well established that the Cincinnati Bengals are bereft of offensive line talent. The fact that they have done as well as they have is a credit to Brian Callahan. However, it is also a credit to Joe Burrow, who has some of the best pocket movement in the league. Callahan has made the Bengals offense more creative but does not stand out among the other candidates.
6. Todd Monken, Baltimore Ravens Offensive Coordinator
Todd Monken kicks off the second half of the Panthers coaching candidates rankings. Given the success of the Baltimore Ravens, it would be surprising for Monken to move on just one year after replacing Greg Roman. Setting that aside, Monken is a solid offensive mind. He built behemoths at the University of Georgia and in Baltimore.
The primary concern of the Panthers hiring Monken is that he has not had to work with a low-end roster like the Panthers since he was with the Cleveland Browns in 2019. That year, the Browns went 6-11. Carolina would present a unique challenge for Monken that he has yet to prove in the NFL.
5. Dave Canales, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Offensive Coordinator
The past two seasons saw two seasoned quarterbacks take an unexpected leap. Both have one thing in common. Dave Canales was the quarterbacks coach in 2022 when Geno Smith broke out after a long career as a backup. Then, he became the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator and oversaw the resurgence of Baker Mayfield.
Canales could help unlock Bryce Young. Additionally, he could attract a familiar face in wide receiver Mike Evans, who is set to hit free agency.
4. Raheem Morris, Los Angeles Rams Defensive Coordinator
Given the need to properly assess Bryce Young, it seems odd that the Panthers would target a defensive mind for the head coach position. That said, DeMeco Ryans charted the path for how it can be a successful strategy. Raheem Morris could be next.
Morris built a solid defense with minimal talent. The Los Angeles Rams broke down the defensive roster to the studs, yet still played well enough to be a playoff team. The Panthers could consider a similar approach, offloading defensive players to acquire capital and spend more money on the offense.
3. Bobby Slowick, Houston Texans Offensive Coordinator
The Houston Texans were one of the most surprising teams in 2023, quickly moving from a bottom-tier team to a true playoff contender. While first-year head coach DeMeco Ryans deserves plenty of credit for the turnaround, offensive coordinator Bobby Slowick has played an important role.
Under Slowick, the Texans offensive line improved from bottom five to mid-tier. In 2022, the offensive line ranked 28th in pass blocking and 29th in run blocking, per PFF. This year, they improved to 19th in pass blocking and 20th in run blocking. They did so despite dealing with significant injuries throughout the season. The Panthers need to get their offensive line in order. Slowick has a track record of developing offensive lines to support young quarterbacks.
2. Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator
Ben Johnson has risen as the number one head coach target for every team looking for a new coach. After contributing to resurrecting the career of Jared Goff, he built one of the most efficient run games in the league.
The only potential ding against him is that the Detroit Lions improvements can be credited to quality personnel decisions. Johnson has not had to prove that he can build a successful offense with lesser talent. That said, the Lions record speaks for itself. Johnson has witnessed a three-year turnaround of a team and is likely to get the opportunity to do so himself. Whether Carolina owner David Tepper can make it happen remains to be seen.
1. Frank Smith, Miami Dolphins Offensive Coordinator
While Mike McDaniel has been the face of the Miami Dolphins resurgence, he has been assisted by offensive coordinator Frank Smith. Smith began his NFL career in New Orleans, starting as their assistant offensive line coordinator.
During that span, New Orleans allowed the third-fewest sacks in the NFL. Most importantly, he learned how to design an offense to accommodate an undersized quarterback, which could prove crucial for Bryce Young’s development.
All eyes will remain on owner David Tepper, as the team looks to find its coach of the future. Which of the Panthers coaching candidates will emerge?
Main Photo: Junfu Han – USA Today Sports
