Despite the Eagles’ season veering off track, they managed to achieve 11 wins. While the defensive coordinator situation in Philadelphia has experienced some unexpected changes, the team’s offensive play-caller has now joined the rotating coaching staff.
On Wednesday, the Panthers extended an interview invitation to Eagles OC Brian Johnson, as reported by Adam Schefter from ESPN.com. This opportunity marks Johnson’s initial venture into head coaching in the NFL. Johnson, who previously served as a college OC and is currently completing his first season as an NFL play-caller, has been on the Panthers’ radar for some time. Although Steve Wilks had considered Johnson for the role of OC, the Panthers ultimately offered the position to Frank Reich as their head coach.
Johnson, who is 36 years old, gained more attention after Shane Steichen became the head coach of the Colts. The Eagles looked outside the organization to find a defensive coordinator, which they might have to do again in the future due to recent events. However, they decided to promote Johnson to the position after he worked as the quarterbacks coach for two years.
The Eagles’ offensive performance has declined compared to last year. Under Steichen’s guidance, Jalen Hurts showed impressive improvement, and the team ranked third in both scoring and yardage. However, this season, with Johnson in charge, the offense ranks seventh and eighth. Hurts has been dealing with an injury, but he has continued to play. As a result, the Eagles have suffered losses in five out of their past six games.
Carolina is in search of a new head coach and general manager, and they have shown interest in several offensive-minded coaches. Alongside Brian Callahan, Dave Canales, Ben Johnson, Todd Monken, Bobby Slowik, and Frank Smith, Carolina has also considered Johnson as a potential offensive coordinator. This marks the first time since 2002 that the Panthers are simultaneously seeking a head coach and GM, following the hires of John Fox and Marty Hurney that year.
The Panthers have conducted an online interview with interim HC Chris Tabor as well. Tabor is not believed to be a strong contender for the permanent HC position in Carolina. However, ESPN.com’s David Newton suggests that he might be considered to remain as the special teams coordinator under the team’s new coach.
The Panthers have two additional potential candidates for the GM position. One of them is Samir Suleiman, the VP of football administration, who has been promoted in 2022 and is currently being interviewed. Suleiman, who specializes in salary cap management, is being considered alongside other candidates with similar experience in football operations.
Another individual who has been added to the interview request list is Mike Disner, Lions COO. Disner’s expertise lies in cap- and contract-related matters. Disner, who has been a part of the Lions organization for four years, has a connection with the Carolina Panthers through Adrian Wilson, the Panthers’ VP of player personnel. Both Disner and Wilson previously worked together in the Cardinals’ front office under Steve Keim. However, it is uncertain whether the Panthers will retain many front office staff members from the Scott Fitterer era, as they hired Wilson just last year. Another relationship worth keeping an eye on is Ben Johnson, who has been with the Lions throughout Disner’s time in Detroit.
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