It has been an interview-heavy week for the Carolina Panthers as they prepare to decide on the team's next head coach. 

One of the top candidates is Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. But the Panthers aren't the only team with eyes on his services. 

Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported that the Washington Commanders are also targeting Johnson alongside Carolina, setting up what could be an interesting bidding war for the Lions' offensive mastermind. 

Johnson has proven elusive to the Panthers, who have been after him since the 2023 offseason. 

While Washington is going to attack this search for a head coach with openness and flexibility, the Commanders are targeting Detroit's Ben Johnson as their top choice, per sources. Carolina is also hoping to land Johnson.

— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) January 13, 2024

He already turned down David Tepper once. And on Thursday, he gave no inclination that he is guaranteed to take a head coaching job once the Lions' season is over. 

“[I] Don’t know,” Johnson said when asked if he would take a head coaching gig. 

That won't stop Tepper from trying. 

The Panthers must get this head coach right. With Bryce Young's trepidatious first year, Johnson represents everything the organization has said it is looking for in the next head coach. 

With Washington joining the mix, it complicates everything. With the Panthers' job, it isn't about merely looking at the roster — which doesn't look great. Tepper and his lack of patience will undoubtedly play a factor in the Panthers' next hire. 

Only time will tell if Johnson is willing to leave the Lions and build the Panthers in his image.