Carolina underwent significant transformations last week, with more changes on the horizon, particularly concerning the selection of a new head coach by Panthers owner David Tepper. The prevailing expectation in the NFL is that Tepper is inclined towards appointing an offensive-minded head coach, someone capable of unlocking the full potential of quarterback Bryce Young, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft.
According to sources familiar with the Panthers’ strategy, Tepper is leaning towards an offensive approach. Possible candidates for the coaching position include Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, who withdrew from consideration for the Panthers’ head coaching job just over a year ago, and Brian Johnson, the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles. Other potential candidates are likely to emerge, with several teams in the offseason expected to explore options similar to Johnson and Johnson.
Carolina’s imperative is to secure a head coach who can mentor and shape Young’s development, mirroring the Miami Dolphins’ hiring of Mike McDaniel to influence Tua Tagovailoa, a former Alabama quarterback who faced challenges in his rookie season. McDaniel played a pivotal role in transforming Tagovailoa into a successful NFL starting quarterback and an MVP candidate. Before McDaniel’s hiring, there were speculations about Miami considering alternatives like Tom Brady or pursuing a trade for Deshaun Watson.
The future guidance for Tepper also remains uncertain. Despite Carolina not providing assurances of retaining general manager Scott Fitterer, there are indications that the team would prefer to keep him. Nevertheless, league sources suggest that Fitterer’s future remains undecided.
In the interim, Chris Tabor assumes the role of head coach for the remainder of the season. Tabor’s emphasis on playing fast, staying loose, and relaxing has been communicated to the team as they prepare for Sunday’s game against Tampa Bay. The Panthers aspire for this message to yield positive results not only on Sunday but for the remainder of the season, contributing to a cultural overhaul.
In tandem with these efforts, changes in play callers are also underway. Offensive coordinator Thomas Brown, who briefly called plays before having that responsibility rescinded by former head coach Frank Reich prior to his dismissal, regains his role. Senior assistant Jim Caldwell will serve as a special adviser to Brown, and Panthers quarterbacks coach Parks Frazier will transition from the booth to the field to have more direct interaction with Young. Frazier assumes this role following the dismissal of Josh McCown, Reich, and assistant head coach/running backs coach Duce Staley on Monday.
