The Carolina Panthers have requested to interview nine candidates for their vacant head coaching job, the team announced Monday.
The list is headlined by Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, one of the league's most coveted assistants. Carolina also asked to speak with Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan, Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, and Baltimore Ravens coordinators Todd Monken and Mike Macdonald.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales, Houston Texans OC Bobby Slowik, Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, and Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith round out Carolina's initial group of candidates.
Six of the Panthers' nine initial candidates are offensive coordinators. They're also interested in two former NFL head coaches to replace Frank Reich: Quinn and Morris.
Carolina - which fired general manager Scott Fitterer after three seasons on Monday - also kicked off its search for a new GM. The team has requested permission to interview eight candidates:
- New York Giants assistant GM Brandon Brown
- Buccaneers assistant GM Mike Greenberg
- Kansas City Chiefs vice president of football operations Brandt Tilis
- Philadelphia Eagles assistant GM Alec Halaby
- New Orleans Saints assistant GM Khai Harley
- Ravens vice president of football administration Nick Matteo
- Indianapolis Colts assistant GM Ed Dodds
- Las Vegas Raiders interim GM Champ Kelly
The Panthers' interviews with general manager candidates can begin immediately.
