Utah Legend Brian Johnson to Interview for Multiple NFL Head Coaching Jobs

Former Utah quarterback Brian Johnson, who led the Utes to a 13-0 record in 2008, is now being considered as a prime head coaching candidate for multiple NFL teams

Former Utah Utes quarterback and coach Brian Johnson, is reportedly being interviewed by multiple NFL teams in need of a new head coach.

Panthers are expected to interview Eagles’ offensive coordinator Brian Johnson for their head coaching job, per source.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 10, 2024

ESPN’s Adam Schefter initially broke the news that Johnson is expected to take an interview with the Carolina Panthers for their vacant head coaching position. The Panthers previously fired head coach Frank Reich after having a league-worst record of 1-10. 

In addition to interviewing with the Panthers, Johnson is also reportedly a candidate for the Tennessee Titans head coaching position. 

The Titans let go of former NFL Coach of the Year (2021) Mike Vrabel, citing disagreements and conflicting interests between management and the coaching staff. 

Johnson will have to wait until at least Wednesday, Jan. 17 to interview for each position as he is currently on staff with the Philadelphia Eagles who are in the playoffs. 

Johnson, who presently serves as the Eagles offensive coordinator, has deep roots with the Utah football program. The Baytown, Texas native began his journey with the Utes in 2004 when at just 16 years old, he signed a national letter of intent to play collegiate football at Utah. 

The 6’1 signal-caller was only 17 years old when he became Utah’s starting quarterback. As a three-year starter for the Utes, Johnson was the author of some of the program’s most storied seasons. 

Besides being the winningest quarterback in school history, Johnson led the Utes to a program-best record of 13-0 in 2008. That season, Utah beat Alabama in the Sugar Bowl and became “BCS busters” for the second time in four years. For a career year in 2008, Johnson was even named one of EA Sports’ NCAA 10 cover athletes. 

#𝕄𝕎𝟚𝟝 𝕄𝕖𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕤

On January 2, 2009, @Utah_Football took down Alabama 31-17 in the @SugarBowlNola to finish the season 13-0 👏

Former All-MW LB @SSylvester55 looks back at the dominant performance over one of college football’s perennial powerhouse programs ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/zNtUHoIbzz

— Mountain West (@MountainWest) January 2, 2024

If you thought the 2008 season would be the end of Johnson’s time with Utah, you’d be mistaken. In 2010, Johnson returned and became the team’s quarterback coach. In 2011, the 2009 Sugar Bowl MVP, became the youngest NCAA FBS offensive coordinator in the country at the age of 24. 

After spending time on Utah's coaching staff, Johnson would make stops at Mississippi State, Houston, and Florida on his way to the NFL. 

In 2021, the former Ute was hired as the Eagles quarterback coach, eventually rising to the position of offensive coordinator after two seasons. 

Johnson’s pedigree as a quarterback coach and offensive coordinator is long. The Utah great has been credited with assisting in the development of NFL-caliber quarterbacks such as Dak Prescott, Kyle Trask, and most recently Jalen Hurts. 

It’s clear why both the Panthers and Titans are exploring the option of making Brian Johnson their head coach. Both teams will enter the 2024 season led by young inexperienced NFL quarterbacks (Bryce Young, Will Levis) who could benefit from a seasoned quarterback-minded coach. Making Johnson a perfect fit.