Panthers Next Coach Odds: Ben Johnson Given 25% Chance to be Next Coach in Carolina
The Carolina Panthers are in search of a new head coach after firing Frank Reich last week. Will David Tepper look for an offensive mastermind to replace him and coach up Bryce Young? There are several young offensive coordinators on the list to take over, so let's take a look at the latest odds.
Peter Alexis - December 5, 2023, 11:33 AM EST
5 minutesPanthers Next Coach Odds: Ben Johnson Given a 33% Chance to be Next Coach in Carolina
The Carolina Panthers have had a dismal 2023 campaign to start off the career of Bryce Young. The first overall draft pick has struggled in Year 1 along with the rest of the team, and his coach was fired as a result.
The Panthers are currently in pursuit of a new head coach to replace Frank Reich, who only lasted 11 games in Charlotte. Reich had a league-worst 1-10 record to start off the season, and was subsequently canned before he could finish his first year.
The Panthers offense has been anemic, and many are underwhelmed by the highly-touted rookie quarterback so far. They desperately need a new coach who can utilize his talents and find offensive success, and there are several candidates that could bring a refreshing energy.
Will Panthers owner David Tepper take a chance on an up-and-coming offensive mind, or go with another veteran coach? Let's take a look at the latest odds as they try to fill their vacancy at the conclusion of the season.
Panthers Next Coach Odds
Coach | Odds | Implied Probability |
|---|---|---|
Ben Johnson | +300 | 25% |
Kellen Moore | +450 | 18.2% |
Jim Caldwell | +900 | 10% |
Ejiro Evero | +900 | 10% |
Bill Belichick | +900 | 10% |
Brian Johnson | +1000 | 9.1% |
Eric Bieniemy | +1000 | 9.1% |
Jim Harbaugh | +1200 | 7.7% |
Ben Johnson +300
The newest offensive guru to take over the league, Ben Johnson's name has been receiving hype for multiple head coaching vacancies. He took over the play-calling duties in Detroit before the 2022 season, and has led the Lions to a top five offense in two-straight seasons.
Johnson and Kellen Moore both interviewed with the Panthers last year, and the interest reportedly remains on both sides. Johnson is the favorite to earn the job in the latest odds, with a 25% chance implied with his +300 odds.
Johnson's work with Jared Goff has many teams chattering, as the former first overall pick has seen a major resurgence with the Lions. Goff is top-10 in passing yards, passer rating, touchdowns, and completion percentage. He has seen his confidence return in a big way, not seen since leading the Rams to a Super Bowl appearance in 2018.
Kellen Moore +450
Kellen Moore took over as the Chargers offensive coordinator this season after several years in Dallas. He served as the Cowboys OC for four seasons before moving on to Los Angeles this past offseason.
Moore is another big name floating around the league as someone who can generate offensive improvements. During his one year in LA, the Chargers have seen some up and down performances, and shown flashes of brilliance at times with Justin Herbert.
However, the Dallas Cowboys have continued to motor ahead offensively without Moore, after debate raged last year if the success/failures were attributed to Moore or head coach Mike McCarthy. Some feel that Moore's stock as a potential head coach has been hurt from the Cowboys' gains while the Chargers have floundered in close games and will likely miss the playoffs.
Regardless, Moore remains a top candidate to interview in Carolina, as well as a few other stops. Will he get a shot at head coaching already, or will he have to prove himself more to earn the spot? Oddsmakers certainly believe he has a decent chance to get the call up with his +450 odds and second-best position.
Bill Belichick +900
After an unprecedentedly difficult year in New England, famed coach Bill Belichick and the Patriots may be parting ways at the end of the season. The Patriots are a horrendous 2-10, and were just blanked 6-0 by the Chargers after losing to the Giants the week before.
The rumor mill is swirling with reports that Belichick is on the way out, and there will be a plethora of interested teams if this is indeed the end of the dynasty. Belichick led the Pats to six Super Bowls over 24 years at the helm, but the happy times appear to be over in Foxborough.
While the odds aren't out yet as Chargers coach Brandon Staley hasn't been let go through 12 games, the early consensus is that Belichick could be a strong candidate to replace Staley if he is the next coach fired. Belichick has also been linked to the Commanders if Ron Rivera is fired.
It may all be speculation as several chains of events need to unfold for these moves to be made on both sides, there is certainly momentum building towards Belichick coaching somewhere else next season. It appears to be longshot odds for Carolina to be the destination, but keep an eye on the Patriots coach as the season comes to a close.
NFL Odds
