Feature image via Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

Panthers interested in Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as next head coach

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Ian Kayanja | Last updated 11/30/23

David Tepper is in yet another head coaching search. This time, he wants to make the right decision.

One of the candidates the Carolina Panthers are expected to tap is Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who has been instrumental in turning that dreary franchise into a formidable foe every Sunday, NFL insider Josina Anderson of CBS Sports reported.

#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 has his roots in Charlotte.

He is a native and former walk-on quarterback at the University of North Carolina. However, he has declined the Panthers' interest in the past.

During Tepper's coaching search at the end of the 2022 NFL season, Johnson withdrew his name from consideration during the lead-up to the second interview.

His declining of a second interview paved the way for Frank Reich to be hired. Now, the Panthers are going to try again.

Johnson took his name out of consideration because he wanted to stay with the people in Detroit.

Here’s my full conversation with Lions OC Ben Johnson on a special Wednesday Twentyman in the Huddle podcast https://t.co/lWWXbz8mmt
— Tim Twentyman (@ttwentyman) February 15, 2023