NFL Rumors: Panthers Owner David Tepper Wants Lions OC Ben Johnson to Be Full-Time HC

It appears Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper is locked in on who he wants his team's next head coach to be.

Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported Saturday that Tepper wants to hire Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson for the vacancy and that Johnson is "open to the job."

"Owner David Tepper is going to try again for Ben Johnson, according to a league source," Russini wrote. "The play-caller is open to the job and will also be meeting with other teams that are expected to show interest, the source said. There's a sense around the league that general manager Scott Fitterer may help with some of the transition but still may not be safe in his job. Carolina could be starting anew."

The Panthers hired Frank Reich as its head coach ahead of this season but he was fired in November after a 1-10 start to the season. Carolina has since gone 1-4 and head into Week 18 with a 2-14 record that is clinched as the worst in the NFL.

This disastrous season is heightened by the fact that the Panthers do not own their first-round pick. That pick was dealt to the Chicago Bears last season as a part of a package that netted the No. 1 pick in 2023.

Quarterback Bryce Young was ultimately the Panthers' selection and he has experienced some growing pains this year. He has thrown for 2,783 yards with 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions as a rookie and has been sacked 59 times. With No. 2 pick C.J. Stroud lighting it up with the Houston Texans, it hasn't exactly been an easy season in Carolina.

Still, Young is an intriguing piece to work with and Johnson could be the best person to unlock his potential. He is in his second season as the Lions offensive coordinator and has been instrumental in a turnaround that netted Detroit its first-ever NFC North division title.

The Lions rank No. 3 in the NFL in total offense and quarterback Jared Goff also is No. 3 in passing yards.

Johnson will be among the most sought-after coaches in the next cycle and should have some intriguing offers. However, Carolina will certainly be in the running, and will hope he is the guy to get the most out of the team.