North Carolina tight ends coach John Lilly could be headed to the NFL.

The Athletic’s Joe Person said Monday night that Lilly is a “name to watch” for the Carolina Panthers’ tight end coach vacancy. Lilly previously worked with Panthers offensive coordinator Thomas Brown.

Lilly has been North Carolina’s tight ends coach since the 2020 season. He was also named Carolina’s running game coordinator earlier this offseason.

Lilly also has extensive experience in the NFL. He was the tight ends coach with the Cleveland Browns in 2019 before joining the Tar Heels. He also held that position with the Rams in 2016.

Tight end was a strength for the Tar Heels in 2022. Bryson Nesbit and Kamari Morales each finished in the top 5 of UNC’s receiving yardage leaders a year ago.