The comeback did not go according to plan for Frank Reich this time.
In fact, in the exact opposite direction.
Once upon a time, Reich, formerly the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, was fired. Reich was given an opportunity to circle the wagons on his head coaching career in Carolina this offseason and it only lasted 11 games.
On Monday, the Panthers announced that Reich had been fired once again.
The final straw appears to have been Carolina’s latest loss on Sunday. They were defeated 17-10 at the hands of the Tennessee Titans.
According to The Athletic, Panthers owner Dave Person was seen after the loss leaving the locker room visibly (and audibly) upset after the latest outing. The defeat sent the Panthers to a NFL-worst 1-10 record.
The hope in Carolina was the Reich and rookie first-overall pick, quarterback Bryce Young, would help turn around the team’s woes on offense. Signs weren’t there as the team ranks 30th in total yards per game (265.9) and 29th in points per game (15.7).
It doesn’t help that CJ Stroud, drafted by the Houston Texans right after Young was selected, is having a Rookie of the Year type of season.
Even so, there are many critics of the move. Was Reich fired too quickly? After only 11 games, his dismissal is the second-fastest ever in league history. In addition, the Panthers traded up to take Young and gave up their 2024 first-round pick making their future look even more dire.
Reich now has a 41-43 overall record as a head coach. With the Colts, he was previously at a 40-33 mark.
[lawrence-related id=127591,127587,127547]