Last offseason, Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson was the odds-on favorite to become the next head coach of the Carolina Panthers. Johnson is once again surging to the top of the heap of potential candidates for the same job opening one year later.
The Panthers have requested permission from the Lions to speak to Johnson about their head coaching vacancy. Carolina fired Frank Reich after a 1-10 start. Owner David Tepper also fired GM Scott Fitterer after the Panthers finished a league-worst 2-15.
Johnson interviewed with Carolina last offseason but declined a second interview request, choosing to stay in Detroit. The gig is not nearly as appealing now, with the Panthers bottoming out and also not having a first-round pick after trading up to select Bryce Young No. 1 overall in the 2023 NFL draft. Young was not impressive in his rookie QB campaign, and the Panthers have more apparent holes across their roster than at this point last year.
Per Mike Kaye of the Charlotte Observer, Johnson is among several assistant coaches the Panthers have requested permission to interview. The Washington Commanders have also requested permission to speak to Johnson and Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.
Per the #Panthers, they have requested the following HC interviews:
– Lions OC Ben Johnson⁰- Texans OC Bobby Slowik
– Bengals OC Brian Callahan⁰- Cowboys DC Dan Quinn⁰- Ravens DC Mike Macdonald
– Dolphins OC Frank Smith
– Rams DC Raheem Morris⁰- Ravens OC Todd Monken⁰-…— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) January 9, 2024