NFL Head Coach Opening Linked to Lions OC Ben Johnson.

Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, was connected to the Carolina Panthers head coaching position by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

Ben Johnson has already turned down the opportunity to lead the Carolina Panthers. However, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network stated that the Panthers will still likely pursue the offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions during the offseason.

Pelissero posted on X (previously Twitter) that “the Panthers targeted Lions OC Ben Johnson a year ago before he opted to stay in Detroit.” “It wouldn’t be shocking if they went after him and other people again.

“While the search is underway, special teams coordinator Chris Tabor assumes the role of interim coach.”

After just 11 games, the Panthers fired head coach Frank Reich, leaving a vacancy in his position. This season, Carolina has the worst record in the NFL at 1-10.

Three teams last offseason expressed interest in Johnson as a potential head coach, including the Panthers. Johnson did, however, choose to rejoin the Lions as offensive coordinator.

Ben Johnson of the Lions Associated with the Carolina Panthers
It is easy to understand why Johnson might pique the Panthers’ interest.

Johnson guided Detroit to a top 5 finish in points and yards during his first season as the offensive coordinator for the Lions in 2022. They ranked eleventh in rushing yards and eighth in passing yards as well.

Although the running back position has been completely replaced, the Lions offense has arguably improved this season. Detroit’s season stats as of Week 12 are as follows: second in yards, seventh in points, third in passing yards, and sixth in rushing yards.

It will be the first time Detroit has accomplished that feat in back-to-back seasons since 1953–54 if the Lions finish in the top 5 in overall yards and points once more.

The Panthers, who have a lot riding on rookie quarterback Bryce Young, will probably appoint an offensive-minded head coach. After Week 12, the Panthers are ranked 29th in points scored and 30th in yards under Reich.

The Panthers have suffered losses to the Tennessee Titans and Chicago Bears in the past three weeks. This season, the Bears and Titans have a combined 5 wins over the rest of the league.

Predicting the NFL Coaches and Jobs That Are Most Wanted This Offseason
Pelissero has mentioned Johnson as a prime contender to take over as head coach in 2024 before. Indeed, “many league sources consider Johnson the most coveted candidate in this hiring cycle,” according to a November 15 report by Pelissero.

There’s a good chance Johnson will be able to choose between head coaching positions in the NFL. It may be improbable that Johnson chooses the Panthers because of this.

Ever since Dave Tepper acquired the Carolina Panthers in 2018, the team has been a textbook example of instability. Tepper has fired head coaches three times in the middle of the season in the last six years.

Tepper has six head coaches in six seasons, including interims.

Obviously, the Panthers’ 2023 season has not gone well. However, when Tepper goes to select his new head coach this offseason, it won’t be good for the team to fire a head coach after just 11 games.