The Carolina Panthers’ newest head coach will be its first quarterback in franchise history.
The Panthers have named former Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich as its next head coach.
The team announced the hiring with a photo showing Reich in his old No. 14 jersey in 1995 when the franchise joined the league.
Since the beginning
#KeepPounding pic.twitter.com/jOQIkEggKD
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) January 26, 2023
According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, Carolina interim head coach Steve Wilks “did a very nice job” on and off the field while Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore “really, really stood out” in the hiring process despite not ultimately being chosen for the position.
Steve Wilks got a second interview and did a very nice job on the field and in his interviews. Interestingly, Kellen Moore really, really stood out in this process. The #Cowboys OC made this a very tough decision. https://t.co/aukbaqv5vh
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 26, 2023
Reich most recently coached the Indianapolis Colts from 2018 to 2022. He finished with a 40-33-1 record in five seasons before being fired in 2022.
“After a long playing career at Buffalo, Reich signed with the Panthers in their first season as a franchise in 1995,” Panthers.com wrote in the welcoming profile. “Reich became Carolina’s first starting quarterback when he debuted for a Week 1 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, starting three games before Kerry Collins took over.
“Reich was with the Panthers for only their inaugural season, during which they went 7-9 – the best record for a first-year expansion team in NFL history.”
The NFL world was quick to react to the news:
Great job @Panthers and Congrats Frank Reich https://t.co/fRE4iL4CtL
— Steve Smith Sr. (@SteveSmithSr89) January 26, 2023
Video: new Panthers head coach Frank Reich throwing the first TD pass in franchise history to TE Pete Metzelaars back in 1995.
Voiced by the legendary Chris Berman. pic.twitter.com/VOGT05roqx
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) January 26, 2023
One of the coolest stories this cycle: The #Panthers hire Frank Reich, their former QB who has family in the area. Now, he lands in Carolina. https://t.co/aukbaqv5vh
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 26, 2023
Frank Reich attended seminary in Charlotte after his playing career and still maintains an offseason home in the area. One of his daughters recently started working in the Panthers’ marketing department. His brother just finished his 22nd season as HC at Wingate University.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 26, 2023
With Frank Reich hired as head coach in Carolina, Steve Wilks intends to coach elsewhere in 2023. He impressed many around the league in his interim stint, rallying the #Panthers to a 6-6 finish, and should have options.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 26, 2023
Only time will tell how the Reich hire works out. But needless to say, Carolina is exuberant about it now.
