Panthers Narrow GM Search, Steelers’ Omar Khan Left Out

The Carolina Panthers have narrowed their general manager search down to four candidates, and Pittsburgh Steelers vice president of football and business administration Omar Khan was not one of them.

Khan had been one of 15 individuals interviewed virtually for the position, but was not one of the final four the Panthers announced Wednesday as having been selected for a second round of in-person interviews.

#Panthers conduct second interviews with four general manager candidateshttps://t.co/AEugGzk8an

— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) January 13, 2021

Khan was considered a favorite for the vacancy given his familiarity with Panthers owner David Tepper, who was previously a Steelers minority owner.

Carolina was Khan’s second interview this hiring cycle, having also spoken with the Houston Texans for their opening last week. They ultimately hired former New England Patriots executive Nick Caserio as their new general manager.

Khan has been a coveted candidate of late, also interviewing with the Los Angeles Rams, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets and Seattle Seahawks in recent years.

Khan has been with the Steelers organization since 2001, and has served in his current role as vice president of football and business administration since 2016.

Known for his salary cap wizardry, Khan also previously served as the organization’s director of football administration (2011-16) and football administration coordinator (2001-2011).

Carolina’s search has now been narrowed down to Tennessee Titans director of player personnel Monti Ossenfort, San Francisco 49ers vice president of player personnel Adam Peters, Kansas City Chiefs assistant director of player personnel Ryan Poles and Seattle Seahawks vice president of football operations Scott Fitterer. All conducted in-person interviews Tuesday or Wednesday.

A hiring decision from Carolina is expected later this week.