Last year, the former head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, Frank Reich, found himself without a job. Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers were grappling with a lack of effective leadership on the offensive front. In an attempt to turn their fortunes around, the duo entered into a four-year agreement in January, aiming for a season culminating in a Lombardi Trophy.
Regrettably, the reality turned out to be even more challenging than they had anticipated. Twelve weeks into the current season, the Panthers managed only one victory, far from their aspirations. Ultimately, they had to part ways with Reich, assuring him of financial support as they severed ties in the midst of a disappointing campaign.
How much will Reich get after his Panthers firing?
In a swift and decisive move, the owner of the Carolina Panthers made the decision to part ways with head coach Frank Reich less than 24 hours after the team’s disappointing 17-10 loss to the Tennessee Titans. This decision comes as the Panthers struggle under Tepper’s ownership, accumulating a 30-63 record since his acquisition of the team in 2018 and failing to secure a playoff berth.
Despite Tepper initially trusting Reich, the partnership ultimately failed to bring success, resulting in the Panthers experiencing their sixth consecutive losing season, which is a franchise record. The team faced challenges that went beyond the field, which was evident in their ranking of 30th in the NFL for both total offense and passing yards per game after Reich left.
Interestingly, even after being relieved of his duties, Reich is set to earn a substantial sum. The recently dismissed head coach is set to earn close to $9 million per year over the next three years.
ESPN reports that the Indianapolis Colts are honoring a payment of $9 million per year to Reich, extending until 2026. While Reich’s tenure as the Panthers’ head coach was notably short-lived, his financial fortune seems to have found stability despite the team’s struggles.
The recently terminated head coach had one of the shortest tenures in NFL history, lasting only 11 games. Following his dismissal, he departed from the Panthers team, which held the 30th position in the NFL rankings for both total offense and passing yards per game.
Top candidates to replace Frank Reich
The Carolina Panthers made significant changes to their coaching staff. Apart from parting ways with head coach Frank Reich, they also dismissed quarterback Josh McCown and assistant head coach/RB coach Duce Staley. Following these dismissals, special teams coordinator Chris Tabor stepped into the role of interim head coach, while offensive coordinator Thomas Brown assumed the responsibilities of the team’s play caller.
The abrupt coaching changes have left the Panthers in search of a stable solution for the remainder of the season. Matthew Alquiza of Sports Illustrated has identified several potential candidates, both within the organization and externally. Among the internal options are Jim Caldwell, Ejiro Evero, and Thomas Brown. Caldwell, a seasoned coach, could bring stability to the team during this transition.
As the Panthers face offensive struggles with high draft pick Bryce Young, Alquiza suggests considering Ben Johnson, Brian Johnson, and Bobby Slowik. Notably, these coordinators have experience leading offenses ranked in the top ten in the league. Ben Johnson, a Carolina native and the current offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, emerges as a strong candidate in the eyes of the reporter, as Topper may find it motivating to fill the void with a Panther lover who can guide the team from the bottom of his heart.
Nevertheless, for defensive improvements, Matthew proposes considering Dallas Cowboys Defensive Coordinator Dan Quinn and Minnesota Vikings Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores. Strengthening the defense could provide crucial support to rookie quarterback Bryce Young, ensuring a promising future for the Panthers.
Which option do you think will be the perfect one for the Panthers?
