A ship without a captain goes nowhere.

The Carolina Panthers are making a move to get a captain soon. The franchise has requested an interview with Brian Callahan, the Cincinnati Bengals' offensive coordinator, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported. 

The #Panthers requested an interview with #Bengals OC Brian Callahan for their head coaching job, per source.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 8, 2024

Callahan has been with the Bengals for the last five years. He was the offensive coordinator when Cinncinati made its run to the Super Bowl with Joe Burrow still on his rookie contract. 

That is something the Panthers are trying to do with Bryce Young. Callahan was also the offensive coordinator when Burrow used his second season to vault himself into superstardom in the NFL. 

One question regarding Callahan's resume thus far is that he hasn't called the plays. Though he was the offensive coordinator in Cincinnati, Zac Taylor still called the plays.

Callahan is still a hot commodity in the NFL. With his hand in turning Burrow into a superstar, the Panthers could view the move to interview him as a chance to get a quarterback whisperer. He also has football in his genes. 

Callahan is the son of former Raiders head coach and offensive line coach Bill Callahan. 

Brian Callahan built his reputation by working with Burrow, but he also worked with the Denver Broncos when they made Super Bowl 50 against the Panthers. He worked with the Detroit Lions as a quarterback coach in 2016. Callahan has also worked with the Raiders before his time at Cincinnati. 

Carolina still wants an offensive head coach as well. Callahan fits that bill. But the real question: would Callahan want to work for David Tepper and a dysfunctional Panthers organization? That is still to be decided.