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The Carolina Panthers got a head start on their search for a seventh full-time head coach in franchise history by firing Frank Reich on Monday after just 11 games with the team.

Could owner David Tepper have his sights set on a coaching legend who may soon become available?

New England is widely expected to part ways with eight-time Super Bowl-winning coach Bill Belichick. While SportsBetting.ag has installed Belichick with just the eighth-shortest odds to replace Reich at +1200, the Panthers are the favored destination for Belichick should he move on from the Patriots.

Belichick will turn 72 in April and it’s unknown how much longer he intends to continue coaching. But a young Panthers team led by No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young is viewed as a potentially intriguing destination.

While Belichick’s name has been floated in connection with Carolina by many NFL pundits, there are several names with shorter odds.

Next Panthers Coach Odds
Ben Johnson (+500)
Jim Caldwell (+600)
Ejiro Evero (+700)
Jim Harbaugh (+700)
Brian Johnson (+900)
Eric Bieniemy (+900)
Mike Macdonald (+1000)
Bill Belichick (+1200)
Thomas Brown (+1200)
Bobby Slowik (+1400)
Dan Quinn (+1400)
Jerod Mayo (+1400)
Brian Flores (+1600)
Chris Tabor (+1600)
Lincoln Riley (+1600)
Kellen Moore (+1800)
Raheem Morris (+2000)
Deion Sanders (+5000)

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is expected to be highly sought after this offseason. Just 37, Johnson is viewed as an innovated offensive mind despite being in just his second year leading the Lions’ offense.

If Carolina decides to look internally, defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero is highly respected. The 42-year-old declined to take over as the interim coach in Denver last season, instead moving on to the Panthers after the Broncos hired Sean Payton.

Two coaches with significant experience on the NFL sidelines could also be in the mix for multiple teams this offseason. Jim Caldwell was the head coach for Indianapolis and Detroit for a combined seven seasons and is currently a special advisor to the Panthers.

Jim Harbaugh’s name has been tied to NFL head coaching vacancies almost annually since taking over at Michigan in 2015. Now embroiled in a sign-stealing controversy that led to a three-game ban from the Wolverines’ sideline, is this offseason the time Harbaugh jumps at the chance to return to the pros?

Bill Belichick Next Team Odds
Panthers (+300)
Commanders (+350)
Chargers (+400)
Bears (+800)
Raiders (+800)
Buccaneers (+900)
Saints (+1800)
Cardinals (+2000)
Seahawks (+2000)
Browns (+3300)
Broncos (+5000)
Falcons (+5000)
Packers (+5000)

(Odds provided for entertainment purposes only. SportsBetting.ag is not a regulated sportsbook in the United States.)

–Field Level Media