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Report: Ben Johnson in the 'Lead' to Become Panthers Head Coach

Ben Johnson is in the lead to become the Carolina Panthers' next head coach.

John Maakaron

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Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson reportedly is in the lead to become the next head coach of the Carolina Panthers. 

After interviewing with the Colts and Texans, Johnson is scheduled to interview with the Panthers next week. 

"Ben Johnson has the lead in Carolina," reported NFL insider Jonathan Jones on CBS, during his "Eye on the NFL" segment with NFL Today host James Brown.  

There is growing buzz that Panthers owner David Tepper is quite "enamored" with Detroit's first-year offensive coordinator. 

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According to The Athletic, "The buzz in league circles is that Tepper is enamored with Johnson, whose innovative schemes helped the Lions finish fifth in the NFL in scoring offense and total offense in his first season as offensive coordinator. Johnson’s a sharp guy -- with degrees from UNC in math and computer science -- so you’d have to think he’s going to nail his interview this week.”

Lions general manager Brad Holmes deferred to the team's head coach when asked about being proactive in developing a replacement plan, should Johnson end up leaving the organization. 

"That’s more of a question for Dan (Campbell), and I have full trust. Just kind of like the examples that I laid out that Dan has made from a staff standpoint in-season in the past, I have full trust," said Holmes. "I have full trust in him that he’s going to make the right decision. I have full faith in that, and so if it comes to that, I know Dan will make the right decision and make the necessary adjustments, in terms of his staff.”

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John Maakaron
JOHN MAAKARON

John Maakaron has covered Detroit Sports since 2013. Brings a vast array of experience covering the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Mercy Titans, and Oakland University Golden Grizzlies. John brings a wealth of sports broadcast experience. In 2013, John had the vision to establish the Detroit Sports Podcast Network. Has recorded over 3000 podcasts analyzing Detroit Sports. In 2019, Sports Illustrated Media Group, a historical sports media outlet, partnered with Detroit Sports Podcast to provide daily Lions content for their growing and expanding digital media outlet. Our Lions content can also be read in the newspaper at The Oakland  Passionate about Detroit Sports and it is reflected in his coverage of the local teams!

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