Carolina Panthers' Head Coach Frank Reich observes the game in the first quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on November 26, 2023, in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images)
Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper has made the decision to terminate head coach Frank Reich’s contract, a move that follows the team’s 17-10 loss to the Tennessee Titans in Nashville. Reich’s departure comes with the Panthers holding an NFL-worst 1-10 record, including a disappointing 0-6 performance on the road. This marks Reich’s second consecutive season being fired, with last year’s dismissal from the Indianapolis Colts.
Reich’s Departure and Reflection
“There’s a heart-pounding disappointment in not hitting the marks that we needed to hit to keep this going and try to get it turned around,” Reich, who has a career record of 41-43-1, told The Charlotte Observer on Monday. “It hurts me for the guys, the team, the coaches and the fans.”
Tepper communicated the decision to let go of Reich during a face-to-face meeting on Monday morning.
Interim Coaching Staff Appointments
Special teams coach Chris Tabor steps in as the interim head coach and offensive coordinator Thomas Brown will take on playcalling duties, supported by senior assistant Jim Caldwell. Duce Staley, the assistant head coach/running backs coach, and quarterbacks coach Josh McCown also received relief from their duties alongside Reich.
Offensive Struggles and Scoring Woes
The Panthers’ struggles, particularly on the offensive end, contributed to Reich’s departure. The team has faced challenges in scoring, managing only 15 or fewer points for the fifth consecutive week and the seventh time in 11 games. The recent offensive output of 10 points in each of the last two games further emphasized the team’s struggles.
Overall Team Struggles Under Tepper’s Ownership
Tepper’s acquisition of the Panthers for $2.275 billion in 2018 has led to the team facing a sixth consecutive losing season, holding a 30-63 (.323) record, second only to the New York Jets for the worst record.
Sunday’s lackluster performance placed the Panthers at 30th in the NFL for total offense and passing yards per game. This downturn proved unfavorable for Reich, hired in January for his offensive expertise.
Impact on Rookie Quarterback Bryce Young
Reich’s responsibilities extended to guiding rookie quarterback Bryce Young, the No. 1 pick of the 2023 draft. However, Young ranks 29th in the NFL in Total QBR with a rating of 32.0, having a low passer rating and facing significant sacks.
Despite the efforts of Reich and McCown in developing Young, the desired progress did not materialize. Within the revamped coaching structure, the expectation is for Jim Caldwell, a former offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, to play a pivotal role in Young’s development.
Fan Dissatisfaction and Stadium Atmosphere
Fan dissatisfaction was evident as Carolina supporters sold enough tickets to visiting team fans in two home games, altering the atmosphere at Bank of America Stadium.
Tepper, disheartened by these developments, chose to part ways with Reich mid-season for the second consecutive year. In 2022, Reich encountered a similar fate as the Colts dismissed him after a 3-5-1 start.
Financial Implications: Reich’s Contract and Compensation
Reich’s hiring in January was preceded by a search targeting Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. When Johnson opted to stay in Detroit, the focus shifted to Reich due to his offensive background, experience with rookie quarterbacks, and commitment to building a veteran staff.
Having signed a four-year deal in January, the Panthers will owe Reich about $25 million, according to sources cited by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Reich’s Legacy and Future Outlook
“I want to say that I believe there is a strength and character of leadership in that locker room that is at such a high level and is so strong, that there’s no doubt in my mind that there is a foundation for all the success that this team is going to have,” Reich told the Observer. “… This ends in an extremely disappointing fashion, but I will always be a Panthers fan.”
Reich, known for his role in four Super Bowls as a player with the Buffalo Bills and as a Super Bowl-winning offensive coordinator with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2017, has also worked with future Hall of Famer Philip Rivers during his coaching career.
This report used information from ESPN.
