Following a busy week and a half for the Carolina Panthers, the search for the next general manager appears to be shaping up. 

According to a Monday report from The Athletic, Dan Morgan, the former Panthers linebacker who returned to Carolina in 2021 as Scott Fitterer’s assistant, could succeed Fitterer, his best friend and former colleague.

It isn't a sure thing, but all reports suggest David Tepper has included Morgan in the interview process for the team's future head coach. It isn't a guarantee that Morgan will be the general manager of a team desperate for an overall. Still, all signs point toward it being a step forward for the former linebacker turned front office executive. 

In coaching news for the Panthers, Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Brian Johnson is no longer being considered for a head coaching position. 

According to The Athletic, the Panthers dropped Johnson "quietly" by announcing 11 official candidates via social media, with Johnson nowhere to be found. 

Why the Panthers decided not to interview Johnson remains up in the air, but it could have to do with the fact that the Eagles dropped six of their final seven contests, according to Kelsey Kramer of A to Z Sports.  

The Panthers are moving on to the second round of interviews with 11 candidates. Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero got things started with a meeting on Monday. 

The Panthers are taking their time picking who the next leaders of the franchise will be after countless missteps in years past. 

Panthers reveal final three names for GM job

The Carolina Panthers are one step closer to finding out who the next general manager will be.