After firing Frank Reich just 11 games into his tenure, Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper will now have to hunt for his third head coach in the last four years. And the early favorite to become No. 3 is a guy who conceivably could’ve been No. 2.
According to CBS Sports senior NFL insider Josina Anderson, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is expected to draw interest from the Panthers for their head-coaching position.
#Lions OC Ben Johnson is currently expected to receive interest from the #Panthers again for their upcoming head coach vacancy, per source. Johnson's name along with some others continue to come up in discussions, at this time.
Johnson reportedly declined a second interview with…
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) November 30, 2023
Johnson, a Charleston, S.C. native and former walk-on quarterback at the University of North Carolina, was in the thick of Tepper’s quest last year. But the highly-acclaimed play-caller made himself scarce from the search after declining Carolina’s interview request and deciding to stay in Detroit.
In an interview with Lions senior writer and insider Tim Twentyman this past February, Johnson explained why he withdrew his name from consideration for not only the Panthers, but also the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts.
“It starts with this place and these people,” Johnson said of Detroit.
“You know what, there are so many things going on here, so many good people, coaches, players. I love the offensive staff, everyone we have on board there. I love the players. I love coming in to work everyday. Coach Campbell is incredible. So, end of the day, talking with my family, it just made sense. It made sense, don’t ruin a good thing.”
Well, Johnson wasn’t wrong. That good thing has turned into a great thing since he spoke those words—as the Lions, at 8-3, have taken the next step into serious contendership.
Meanwhile, the fact that the head coach-less Panthers are sitting at 1-10 explains why there might be a second chapter to Tepper’s courting of Johnson.
