Eyes On Brian Johnson

Despite the Eagles’ recent turmoil, including an offense that all season hasn’t matched last year’s production, their play caller has caught the attention of another franchise.

The Carolina Panthers, who have head coach and general manager vacancies, have asked permission to interview Eagles offensive coordinator Brian Johnson, per ESPN:

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

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 10, 2024

Also, the Titans – who fired Mike Vrabel this week – are also eyeing Johnson for their opening:

#Titans are requesting #Eagles OC Brian Johnson to interview for their vacant HC position, source tells @BleacherReport.

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) January 11, 2024

Per NFL rules, Johnson isn’t able to interview for a head-coaching interview until Wednesday of next week, about two days after the Eagles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers play Monday night at Raymond James Stadium in the NFC wild-card round of the postseason.

Johnson was promoted from quarterbacks coach last offseason after the Eagles lost Shane Steichen to the Indianapolis Colts’ head coaching job, an upgrade that prevented him from going to Carolina last year.

Inside The Birds has reported that the Panthers had some interest in Johnson for offensive coordinator last season:

In Johnson’s first season as coordinator, the Eagles ranked eighth in total offense, down from third last season. They also also scored the league’s seventh-most points, down from third in 2022.

Situationally, the Eagles ranked third in third-down offense and ninth in red zone efficiency.

In his Wednesday press conference, Johnson didn’t comment on questions about the Panthers’ interest in him.

“All my focus is on this playoff game and putting players in position to make play,” he said.

GETTY IMAGES: Eagles OC Brian Johnson has the eyes of the Carolina Panthers for their HC job.

Johnson is the play caller, but the Eagles’ offense – unlike their defense – is conceptually driven by head coach Nick Sirianni’s vision with heavy influence also from pass-game coordinator/associate head coach Kevin Patullo, and offensive line coach/run game coordinator Jeff Stoutland.

Patullo is widely viewed as next-man-up at play caller for the Eagles if Johnson either leaves for another job or parts ways with the organization, although the fate of many Eagles coaches is surely uncertain at the moment as the team finished 1-5 down the stretch and lost control of a home playoff game after making the Super Bowl last season.

The Panthers could be looking to pair Johnson with Alec Halaby, Eagles assistant general manager who will also be interviewing for the Panthers’ general manager vacancy.

– Geoff Mosher (@geoffmoshernfl) is co-host of the “Inside the Birds” podcast and staff writer for InsideTheBirds.com.