There’s quite a lot to keep track of right now if you’re involved with the Carolina Panthers, who are currently in the middle of their second head-coaching hunt in as many offseasons. So, we’ll try to simplify the search.
Let’s make a pitch for each of the 12 candidates, highlighting the greatest strength they can bring to the struggling franchise.
Brian Callahan: The key to Tee?
The Panthers are in dire need of a No. 1 wideout, and Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Callahan could have the inside track on a pretty big name.
Tee Higgins, who just turned 25 years old on Thursday, is slated to hit the open market as an unrestricted free agent this offseason. And if the Bengals can’t find room for a lucrative long-term extension or a $21 million franchise tag, then he could be on the outs.
If so, would Callahan—who carries over a decade’s worth of experience in the NFL—also be able to carry over the Clemson Tiger?
Dave Canales: QB whisperer
This 42-year-old may be an unfamiliar candidate to some, but everyone should get acquainted with his résumé.
Canales has spent the last six seasons working behind some of the league’s most productive and efficient aerial attacks. He served as the Seattle Seahawks quarterbacks coach (2018, 2019 and 2022) and passing game coordinator (2020, 2021) and the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2023).
Russell Wilson, from 2018 to 2021, completed 66.5 percent of his throws while averaging 3,720.8 yards, 32.8 touchdowns and 7.8 interceptions per season. Then, in 2022 and 2023, Geno Smith (69.8 completion percentage, 4,282 yards, 30 touchdowns, 11 interceptions) and Baker Mayfield (64.3 completion percentage, 4,044 yards, 28 touchdowns, 10 interceptions) exploded for career campaigns.
Maybe Canales is the man to get Bryce Young and the paltry Panthers passing game going.
Ben Johnson: Match made in heaven
This match just seems so perfect, doesn’t it?
Johnson, for one, is a local product—as he was born in Charleston, S.C., attended A.C. Reynolds High School in Asheville, N.C. and went to the University of North Carolina. Plus, owner David Tepper has reportedly been quite fond of Johnson dating back to last year’s head-coaching search.
Oh, and he’s awfully good at the coordinating thing. Johnson’s use of leverage, space and tempo—which helped the Lions finish fourth in total offense last season and third this season—would allow Young to thrive as the elite distributor the organization drafted him to be.
The Panthers, however, have a ton of competition for the prodigal son—who just might be the crown jewel of this cycle.
Brian Johnson: The crafting of an MVP candidate
Johnson has played an integral part in Jalen Hurts’ step to stardom.
His rise began in 2022, when Johnson was is in his second year as Hurts’ quarterback coach. That campaign saw the former second-rounder finish second in the Most Valuable Player voting, as he completed 66.5 percent of his passes for 3,701 yards, 22 touchdowns and six interceptions while running for 760 yards and another 13 scores.
2023 didn’t finish out nearly as strong for Philly, but Hurts was the favorite for the honor during a good chunk of the schedule. He ended with 3,858 yards and 23 touchdowns through the air and 605 yards and a record-breaking 15 touchdowns on the ground.
Can Johnson, as he did with Hurts, accentuate the strengths out of Young?
Todd Monken: Creativity
Speaking of valuable quarterbacks and Young’s strengths, here’s a candidate who may value what Carolina’s guy can do on the fly.
The 57-year-old may not be the youngest chicken in this year’s coop, but Monken is as creative as they come. One of the pillars of his offensive mentality is having a quarterback who can utilize his mobility to make “off-schedule” plays—something that’s worked out rather well for Lamar Jackson this season.
Now, Young isn’t as mobile as Jackson. (Who is?) He is, however, one hell of an improviser.
Monken also places a premium on a clean pocket. So Young, who ate the second-most sacks in 2023 (62), would probably love some better protection designs.
Bobby Slowik: The blueprint
Slowik has a bit of a history coaching up young quarterbacks.
A branch off of what’s become the golden Shanahan coaching tree, the 36-year-old has helped orchestrate a sparkling season out of his rookie quarterback. C.J. Stroud, who led the Texans to their first AFC South crown since 2019, led the league in passing yards per game (273.9) while throwing for 23 touchdowns and just five interceptions.
Slowik also had a hand in kickstarting Brock Purdy as San Francisco’s passing game coordinator in 2021.
If he can light the NFL on fire with a second overall pick and a 262nd overall pick, then maybe he can do it with a No. 1 overall pick.
Frank Smith: Stylin' and profilin'
Between their smaller frames and quick-hitter styles, these ‘Bama boys have drawn a few comparisons. So can Tua Tagovailoa’s offensive coordinator do something similar with Bryce?
Smith has been in charge of the Miami offense for the last two seasons, leading them to a sixth overall finish in 2022 (364.5 yards per game) and the top overall finish in 2023 (401.3 yards per game). Tagovailoa, additionally, just led the NFL in passing with 4,624 yards.
Now, the Panthers don’t have anything close to the speed and talent the Dolphins had at their disposal. Plus, head coach Mike McDaniel, not Smith, is the play-caller down there.
But if you’re to buy shares in any offense right now, it’s probably this one.
Mike Macdonald: Dynamic defense
All things considered (those things being a load of injuries and a comical lack of complementary football), the Carolina defense was quite good this season. But they desperately missed out on the big play.
The Panthers recorded the third-lowest amount of interceptions (eight), the fewest fumble recoveries (three) and the fewest sacks (27). The Ravens, on the other hand, were tied for third in interceptions (18), tied for second in fumble recoveries (13) and not tied at the very top of the league in sacks (60).
Like Smith and the situation in Miami, Carolina doesn’t have the personnel Macdonald is working with in Baltimore. His aggressive approach and solid track record, however, could result in a huge splash for the Panthers—in more ways than one.
Raheem Morris: Building a culture
We could offer some more of our own words about the respect Morris has garnered during his time in the NFL. But we can’t do better than Los Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead just did—so we’ll let him take it away . . .
Here is Les Snead's 3-minute monologue on Raheem Morris' qualifications to be hired as a head coach during this cycle
"He will be able to hire an unbelievable staff… and I'm pretty sure there will be a lot of tampering charges. Because just about every player will text him… pic.twitter.com/2Ze8s6cuYz
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) January 19, 2024
The Panthers organization, more than anything, needs an identity. They need a culture, they need accountability and they need a focus.
Morris—who’s been around the block, even as a head coach—may be best equipped to deliver that.
Dan Quinn: Experience
Keeping on the theme of former head coaches, Quinn has popped up in a handful of searches this offseason.
Panthers fans should already be well-acquainted with the 53-year-old, who spent nearly six seasons leading the division rival Atlanta Falcons. In fact, he led them all the way to an NFC title in just his second year.
Quinn has recovered rather well since his firing from the South back in 2020. He’s squeezed into his role for the Cowboys quite comfortably, giving Big D one of the game’s best D’s over the past few seasons.
Of the 12 candidates, Quinn has the most head-coaching experience to offer.
Ejiro Evero: Continuity
There’s been a massive amount of turnover since Tepper took over in 2018. After all, he’ll be on his fourth different full-time head coach in seven seasons.
Promoting Evero, who’s been a hot head-coaching candidate for a few years now, could preserve at least a little chemistry and success moving forward.
Chris Tabor: Continuity (cont.)
If we’re keeping it a buck here, Tabor’s chances are probably lower than anyone’s on this list. It’s not often you see a special teams coordinator make a direct jump to head coach.
But like Evero, he presents the organization with a chance at continuity.
Tabor is a player’s coach, and that shined through in his six weeks at the interim position. He’s invested in their growth, goes to bat for them and is a fine representative for the organization.
