Panthers' Dream Candidates to Replace Reich in 2024 NFL Offseason for Bryce Young

The Carolina Panthers will start over once again in 2024.

The Panthers fired head coach Frank Reich on Monday after just 11 games into his time with 2023 No. 1 overall draft pick Bryce Young.

The Panthers will most likely look to hire an offensive mind to work with Young in his second season, which needs to be exponentially better than his current campaign.

Carolina could look to potential first-time head coaches instead of ones who have been in charge of NFL teams before. The latter strategy did not work with Reich and owner David Tepper may attempt to do something different in the hiring process.

Whomever the new head coach is must find a way to develop Young into a reliable passer in the NFL so that the Panthers do not regret their decision to trade up for the Alabama product.

Lions OC Ben Johnson

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INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 12: Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions talks with offensive coordinator Ben Johnson before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on November 12, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

The Detroit Lions' transformation under head coach Dan Campbell happened partly because of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.

The 37-year-old got the best out of Jared Goff and he turned Amon-Ra St. Brown into one of the best wide receivers in the NFL.

Johnson's scheme even allowed some lesser-known players to thrive, as Jamaal Williams led the NFL in rushing touchdowns last season.

Johnson interviewed with the Panthers before they hired Reich last offseason, so Carolina at least has a foundation to work with in the interview process.

The question for Carolina is if Johnson is the top candidate, can the franchise pry him away from a successful team in Detroit to take over the worst team in the NFL?

Seahawks OC Shane Waldron

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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 12: Offensive coordinator Shane Waldron of the Seattle Seahawks talks to Geno Smith #7 of the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter against the Washington Commanders at Lumen Field on November 12, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Shane Waldron's work with Geno Smith should earn him a few calls from teams with coaching vacancies.

Waldron helped Smith resurrect his career with the Seattle Seahawks over the last two years, a task that few thought was possible.

Waldron's offensive mind helped the Seahawks not just stay afloat after the Russell Wilson trade, but it has allowed them to contend for the playoff spots in the NFC.

The 44-year-old was on Sean McVay's staff in Los Angeles prior to moving to Seattle and has been an offensive coordinator for the last three years.

The Panthers should be drawn to Waldron in some capacity because of the work he did with Smith and Goff before that as the Rams' pass-game coordinator.

Eagles OC Brian Johnson

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 05: Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Brian Johnson looks on during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles on November 5, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field. (Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Brian Johnson should receive some head-coaching interest because of his success with Jalen Hurts.

Johnson carries less coordinator experience than the Panthers' other potential coaching targets. He was the quarterbacks coach in Philadelphia in two years before the promotion to offensive coordinator.

The offensive side of Nick Sirianni's coaching tree already earned some success, as Shane Steichen has the Indianapolis Colts in a playoff position despite Anthony Richardson's season-ending injury. Steichen was the Eagles' OC for the last two seasons.

Carolina may be intrigued by hiring a new head coach from the franchise that has won the most in the NFC over the last two years.

Adding a winner may do wonders for the morale around the franchise, who seemed to settle a bit for Reich in its last coaching search.

Johnson's time inside the Eagles organization and work with a mobile quarterback in Jalen Hurts could fascinate the Panthers as they look for the best fit with Young.