Panthers Likely to Select Offensive-Focused Coach to Support Quarterback Bryce Young

Sweeping changes shook up Carolina last week, and more are expected to follow, starting with the new head coach that Panthers owner David Tepper will select.

The word out in the NFL is that Tepper is leaning towards hiring an offensive-minded head coach, someone who can help quarterback Bryce Young reach the potential that Carolina had envisioned when they made him the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft.

“He wants to go the offense route,” said a source familiar with the Panthers’ thinking.

Possible contenders for the job are likely to include Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who withdrew from consideration for the Panthers’ head-coaching job just over a year ago, and Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Brian Johnson. Other candidates are also expected, with many teams with openings this offseason anticipated to consider Johnson and Johnson.

Carolina is in need of a head coach to mentor and influence Young in a manner similar to the way the Miami Dolphins brought in Mike McDaniel to mentor and influence Tua Tagovailoa, another former Alabama quarterback who struggled during his rookie season. McDaniel played a pivotal role in transforming Tagovailoa into not only a bona fide NFL starting quarterback but also an MVP candidate. Before hiring McDaniel, there were talks of Miami giving up on Tagovailoa and pursuing Tom Brady or trading for Deshaun Watson.

It also remains unclear who will guide Tepper. The Panthers have not given general manager Scott Fitterer any assurances about his future with the team, although there have been indications that they would like to retain Fitterer. Nonetheless, sources believe that Fitterer’s fate is still up in the air.

Interim head coach Chris Tabor will lead the Panthers for the rest of this season. In his new position, Tabor has stressed the importance of playing fast, staying loose, and relaxing as the team prepares for Sunday’s game at Tampa Bay. The Panthers are hoping that the message will yield positive results not just on Sunday but for the remainder of the season as they work to revamp their culture.

To further these efforts, there will be a shift in playcallers. Offensive coordinator Thomas Brown, who called plays for three games before having that responsibility taken back by former head coach Frank Reich prior to his dismissal on Monday, will be reinstated in his role.

Senior assistant Jim Caldwell will serve as a special advisor to Brown, and Panthers quarterbacks coach Parks Frazier will move from the booth to the field to have more direct contact with Young. Frazier takes over from Josh McCown, who was dismissed on Monday along with Reich and assistant head coach and running backs coach Duce Staley.