Carolina Panthers hire Frank Reich as new head coach to reunite with franchise’s first starting quarterback | NFL News

Frank Reich became the new Carolina Panthers head coach who had been the franchise’s first quarterback; Reich was fired as head coach of the Indianapolis Colts during the 2022 campaign

Frank Reich returns to the place where he made history as the franchise’s first quarterback

Frank Reich was named the new head coach of the Carolina Panthers on Thursday.

Reich became the sixth head coach in Panthers history having previously been the starting quarterback for the franchise in 1995.

The 61-year-old received a second interview with owner David Tepper and the team’s search committee this week.

He joined the Panthers after being fired by the Indianapolis Colts nine games into the 2022 season. He posted a 40-33-1 record over four-plus seasons in Indianapolis and led the club to two postseason appearances.

Steve Wilks became the Panthers’ interim coach after replacing Matt Rhule, who was fired Oct. 10 after a 1-4 start.

Carolina finished 7-10 and missed the playoffs in each of the five seasons since Tepper brought the franchise in 2018 for a record $2.275 billion.

Reich is considered an offensive coach, who is under contract with the first four Panthers head coaches in franchise history.

Dom Capers, George Seifert, John Fox and Ron Rivera were all promoted as defensive coordinators, while Rhule was not considered as either an offensive or defensive coach. Wilks’ background is also in defense.

The Panthers passing offense ranked 29th in yards per game (176.2) this season, while the team averaged only 20.4 points per contest, which ranked 20th in the league.

Reich will catch a team that is restless at quarterback.

Former No. 1 pick Baker Mayfield was released on December 5 and Sam Darnold, who was taken two times behind Mayfield in the 2018 NFL Draft, has thrown for just 16 touchdowns to go along with 16 interceptions in 18 games over two seasons with Carolina.

The Panthers hold the No. 9 overall pick and may look to address the quarterback position in the NFL Draft.

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