An up-and-coming play caller as well as a Charleston, S.C. native, Ben Johnson felt like the odds-on favorite to be named the next head coach of the Carolina Panthers. But now, we’ll have to find a new one.
On Tuesday night, NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero reported that Johnson will remain with the Detroit Lions—effectively ending Carolina’s (and every other team’s) hunt for the 36-year-old offensive coordinator. He was set to interview with the Panthers on Wednesday.
#Lions OC Ben Johnson informed interested teams he’s staying in Detroit, per sources.
Johnson was slated to travel Wednesday to interview with the #Panthers. But he feels Detroit is building something special and wants to see it through. Should be a hot HC name again next year. pic.twitter.com/vUNLyKFtLf
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 18, 2023
Johnson, just this past Sunday, was said to be the apple of owner David Tepper’s eye. Joseph Person of The Athletic noted that the billionaire was “enamored” with Detroit’s popular offensive play caller.
“The buzz in league circles is that Tepper is enamored with Johnson, whose innovative schemes helped the Lions finish fifth in the NFL in scoring offense and total offense in his first season as offensive coordinator,” Person wrote. “Johnson’s a sharp guy — with degrees from UNC in math and computer science — so you’d have to think he’s going to nail his interview this week.”
Johnson is now the third candidate that has dropped out of consideration for Carolina’s head coaching position.
