Tag: Reich

Sep 10, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) hugs team owner David Tepper on the field prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Panthers owner defends Bryce Young pick, firing another coach

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper defended his decision to fire another coach and called the selection of quarterback Bryce Young unanimous among football staff in a 13-minute press conference Tuesday.

Tepper fired Frank Reich on Monday and elevated special teams coach Chris Tabor to interim head coach, setting the franchise on a path to hire what will be the team’s seventh acting head coach since the ownership change in 2018.

Why pull the plug on a coach hired in January?

“I’m not going to get into it here. There are different reasons why different things happen,” Tepper said. “You guys see like I said, everything is on the field. Everything is known over time. People know it. The league knows it. If everything was perfect, it wouldn’t be the case. If everything was good, it wouldn’t be the case. So it’s not as if it’s not known out there.”

Carolina is 1-10 this season and 30-63 since Tepper purchased the team. If the 2023 season ended today, the No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft would go to the Panthers based on their NFL-worst record. But Carolina already traded that pick to Chicago to move up and select Alabama quarterback Bryce Young in this year’s draft.

Tepper said the Panthers unanimously agreed Young was the right player to select. But No. 2 pick C.J. Stroud (Houston Texans) has been a standout among the first-year QB crop. Tepper claimed Young was the No. 1 player on the team’s draft board and said he didn’t offer his own personal input until draft day.

“Originally we were gonna go to the No. 2 pick and we thought we’d get C.J., because we thought the Texans were gonna pick Bryce (Young). And listen, we preferred Bryce, he was our No. 1 pick, we had a lot of conviction,” Tepper said. “It’s just not the way the process was done.”

Tepper insisted of the choice to draft Young, “We were totally confident in that pick, we made the pick first. For me, I’m totally confident in that pick.”

Panthers media relations ushered Tepper away from the microphone while questions were still being asked of the owner.

Tepper did not answer a question about the future of general manager Scott Fitterer.

Tabor followed Tepper’s press conference and said the decision to part with quarterbacks coach Josh McCown and running backs coach Duce Staley was a decision he made on his own “to improve the team.”

Tabor also said he took the interim head coach position with no assurances that he would receive an interview for the full-time position.

Tepper, listed by Forbes as the fourth-wealthiest owner in the NFL, owed Reich $30 million for the final three-plus years on a four-year contract. That’s in addition to payments owed his first hire, Matt Rhule, who Tepper fired last October with more than $40 million left on the contract he signed in January 2020.

Given the rate of turnover and relative lack of patience shown by ownership, Tepper denied there is any reason for concern about hiring a new coach. Under new NFL rules, the Panthers can’t interview any coach employed by an NFL team this season until Jan. 22.

“If I had my druthers, I would like someone to be here 20, 30 years. I’d like to have someone say the eulogy at my funeral in 30 years. OK, maybe 40 years,” Tepper said.

–Field Level Media

Nov 10, 2023; Frankfurt, Germany; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick speaks to the media before an NFL International Series practice at the Deutcher Fussball-Bund facility. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Panthers Next Coach Odds: Bill Belichick in the mix?

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Carolina Panthers got a head start on their search for a seventh full-time head coach in franchise history by firing Frank Reich on Monday after just 11 games with the team.

Could owner David Tepper have his sights set on a coaching legend who may soon become available?

New England is widely expected to part ways with eight-time Super Bowl-winning coach Bill Belichick. While SportsBetting.ag has installed Belichick with just the eighth-shortest odds to replace Reich at +1200, the Panthers are the favored destination for Belichick should he move on from the Patriots.

Belichick will turn 72 in April and it’s unknown how much longer he intends to continue coaching. But a young Panthers team led by No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young is viewed as a potentially intriguing destination.

While Belichick’s name has been floated in connection with Carolina by many NFL pundits, there are several names with shorter odds.

Next Panthers Coach Odds
Ben Johnson (+500)
Jim Caldwell (+600)
Ejiro Evero (+700)
Jim Harbaugh (+700)
Brian Johnson (+900)
Eric Bieniemy (+900)
Mike Macdonald (+1000)
Bill Belichick (+1200)
Thomas Brown (+1200)
Bobby Slowik (+1400)
Dan Quinn (+1400)
Jerod Mayo (+1400)
Brian Flores (+1600)
Chris Tabor (+1600)
Lincoln Riley (+1600)
Kellen Moore (+1800)
Raheem Morris (+2000)
Deion Sanders (+5000)

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is expected to be highly sought after this offseason. Just 37, Johnson is viewed as an innovated offensive mind despite being in just his second year leading the Lions’ offense.

If Carolina decides to look internally, defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero is highly respected. The 42-year-old declined to take over as the interim coach in Denver last season, instead moving on to the Panthers after the Broncos hired Sean Payton.

Two coaches with significant experience on the NFL sidelines could also be in the mix for multiple teams this offseason. Jim Caldwell was the head coach for Indianapolis and Detroit for a combined seven seasons and is currently a special advisor to the Panthers.

Jim Harbaugh’s name has been tied to NFL head coaching vacancies almost annually since taking over at Michigan in 2015. Now embroiled in a sign-stealing controversy that led to a three-game ban from the Wolverines’ sideline, is this offseason the time Harbaugh jumps at the chance to return to the pros?

Bill Belichick Next Team Odds
Panthers (+300)
Commanders (+350)
Chargers (+400)
Bears (+800)
Raiders (+800)
Buccaneers (+900)
Saints (+1800)
Cardinals (+2000)
Seahawks (+2000)
Browns (+3300)
Broncos (+5000)
Falcons (+5000)
Packers (+5000)

(Odds provided for entertainment purposes only. SportsBetting.ag is not a regulated sportsbook in the United States.)

–Field Level Media

Oct 1, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich with quarterback Bryce Young (9) in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Panthers coach Frank Reich reclaims play-calling duties from OC

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Panthers head coach Frank Reich has reclaimed the primary play-calling duties he handed to offensive coordinator Thomas Brown in October.

Reich said Wednesday returning to the role has nothing to do with his job status in Carolina (1-8) amid speculation the first-year Panthers coach could be fighting for his job.

“I have not been given any ultimatum,” Reich said of his job status factoring into the reverse of his play-calling decision last month. “This is about, if I have something to give to the team, then I need to give it. Thomas and I can do it together.”

Reich reviewed the play-calling role and decided to give Brown the reins the day after the Panthers fell to 0-6 with a 42-21 loss to the Miami Dolphins.

Following a bye week and with Brown directing the offense, Carolina totaled three offensive touchdowns with 41 points combined in three games, beating the Texans (15-13) and losing to the Colts (27-13) and Bears (16-13).

“Obviously I was doing it earlier and didn’t have the success to the point that this has nothing to do with Thomas,” Reich said.

Rookie No. 1 draft pick Bryce Young’s development remains a focus of the offensive staff and Reich. He has eight touchdowns and seven interceptions in eight games.

Reich said Young continues to make “good plays in the clutch to keep us in it,” including last Thursday at Chicago when he converted two fourth downs in a final drive comeback bid.

Young’s next task is holding his own on Sunday against the visiting Dallas Cowboys (6-3), who have 26 sacks and 10 interceptions with three pick-sixes this season.

–Field Level Media

Aug 21, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers helmet during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Panthers hand play-calling duties to Thomas Brown

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Carolina Panthers coach Frank Reich called a bye week handoff, reportedly tossing play-calling duties to offensive coordinator Thomas Brown.

Reich reportedly informed players about the change on Monday after the Panthers fell to 0-6 with Sunday’s 42-21 loss to the Miami Dolphins, multiple outlets reported.

NFL Network reported Reich made the decision now to give Brown time to formulate his plan for the team’s post-bye, Week 8 game on Oct. 29. The matchup pits the Panthers and No. 1 pick Bryce Young against the Houston Texans, who drafted C.J. Stroud No. 2 overall.

Brown, 37, is in his first year with Carolina. He spent the previous three seasons under Sean McVay with the Los Angeles Rams, coaching running backs and tight ends and serving as assistant head coach in 2021 and 2022.

Brown was the offensive coordinator and running backs coach for the Miami Hurricanes from 2016-18.

Reich, 61, said back when he was hired last winter that he would eventually turn over the responsibility for calling plays.

Brown called the plays during the second half of Carolina’s preseason games.

“I thought he did a great job. It came very easy to him,” Reich stated back in August. “He’s been doing it. The whole OTAs and training camp when we go two-minute, you know, I’m just having him call everything. He’s doing a great job. He’s a natural. He really is. Very quick-minded. If you know Thomas, you know he’s very decisive and he does call his plays with conviction. I think this is a great experience for him.”

Reich called the plays during his four-plus seasons as head coach of the Indianapolis Colts from 2018-22.

With Young at quarterback, the Panthers have gained more than 350 yards of offense in only one game this season.

–Field Level Media

Sep 18, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) runs on to the field before the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Panthers ‘don’t know yet’ if Bryce Young returns Sunday

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Carolina Panthers coach Frank Reich said Monday he is unsure of quarterback Bryce Young’s status this week.

Young sat out Sunday’s 37-27 loss at Seattle with a sprained ankle after Reich said the rookie would be out 1-2 weeks.

Andy Dalton replaced the 2023 No. 1 overall pick and passed for 361 yards and two TDs against the Seahawks.

Young, 22, told Reich on Sunday that his ankle was feeling better, according to NFL Network.

Reich said he was not sure whether Young will be at practice Wednesday when the Panthers (0-3) begin preparing to host the Minnesota Vikings (0-3) this Sunday.

“Don’t know. Don’t know yet,” Reich said. “We’ll see how tomorrow goes and then Wednesday. I’ll give you an update then. But I know he’s done everything possible to try to put himself in position, too.”

Young passed for a combined 299 yards with two TDs and two interceptions in losses against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1 and the New Orleans Saints in Week 2.

–Field Level Media

Apr 28, 2023; Charlotte, NC, USA; Bryce Young holds up a jersey depicting his draft position at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Bryce Young to enter minicamp as No. 2 QB

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The Carolina Panthers are planning to ease No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young into their offense, making him QB2 at the outset of camp season.

Panthers head coach Frank Reich said primary backup Andy Dalton will be the de facto first-string QB when minicamp begins. Young is Carolina’s projected starter for the 2023 season.

“He’ll have to earn it. Obviously, that’s the way it should be,” Reich told The Athletic on Monday. “We’ll know when the right time is. He’s got enough going on right now. I just want him to come in and learn the offense and not have to worry about stepping into the limelight. Just come in, learn the offense, get to know these guys. When we step out onto the field the first time, he’ll be in that No. 2 spot.”

The Panthers also have Matt Corral and Jacob Eason on their QB depth chart. Corral was taken in the third round of the 2022 draft, albeit by a different regime in Carolina at the time.

Young went 24-3 as a starter at Alabama and won the Heisman Trophy as a sophomore in 2021.

Young spent three seasons in Tuscaloosa, winning the 2020-21 national championship as a backup to 2022 first-rounder Mac Jones.

In 36 games for Alabama overall, Young threw 80 touchdown passes and completed 624 of 949 passes (65.8 percent) for 8,356 yards. He holds numerous program records, including five games with five touchdown passes and single-season marks for passing touchdowns (47) and passing yards (4,872).

Young, along with Atlanta Falcons rookie running back Bijan Robinson, is the co-favorite to win 2023 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

–Field Level Media

Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud talks to Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich during Ohio State football's pro day at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center in Columbus on March 22, 2023. Football Ceb Osufb Pro Day

Panthers decide on QB to draft — but who remains a secret

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Carolina Panthers coach Frank Reich said Tuesday that the team has reached a consensus on which quarterback it will take with the No. 1 overall pick in Thursday’s NFL draft.

Good luck shaking that information out of the new Panthers coach.

“We’ll announce that Thursday at about 8 o’clock,” Reich said during a press conference.

Reich said the consensus was reached Monday during a conversation with general manager Scott Fitterer.

“He came into my office yesterday at some point, and asked the question,” Reich said. “It was kind of like a proposal of sorts. And I said yes. There is consensus, and we’re excited.”

The Panthers have been dissecting the top four quarterbacks in the draft — Alabama’s Bryce Young, Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud, Kentucky’s Will Levis and Florida’s Anthony Richardson.

Young was been viewed as the favorite to be tabbed first, while Stroud also has believers that feel he is the best quarterback in the draft.

Reich said the Panthers have conducted a thorough evaluation of all the possible choices.

“There was ebbs and flows during the process,” Reich said. “… I don’t want to say there’s any drastic change of mind, but there’s ebbs and flows of how much you like a guy. And that’s why you have to resist the temptation of making your mind up too early, right?

“So I thought we as a scouting staff and coaches did a good job of not falling into that trap. Just take it for what it is. Take it day by day. Go on these visits, watch tape. Go through the process. Continue to evaluate and talk it through.”

The Panthers went 7-10 last season for their fifth consecutive losing campaign.

Since the decline of former star Cam Newton, Carolina has gone through signal callers such as Kyle Allen (2019), Teddy Bridgewater (2020), Sam Darnold (2021-22), Baker Mayfield (2022) and PJ Walker (2022) without finding a capable starter.

–Field Level Media

Dec 13, 2021; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receivers coach Shawn Jefferson against the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Panthers hire DeAngelo Hall, Shawn Jefferson

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The Carolina Panthers have added two former NFL players to coach Frank Reich’s staff, multiple outlets reported.

Three-time Pro Bowl cornerback DeAngelo Hall will be the assistant defensive backs coach and 13-year NFL wideout Shawn Jefferson will coach the receivers.

Hall, 39, has been working as an analyst for NFL Network. This is his first coaching position at any level.

Hall was the eighth overall pick by Atlanta in the 2004 NFL Draft. He played in 171 games (158 starts) and recorded 43 interceptions (five returned for touchdowns) with the Falcons (2004-07), Oakland Raiders (2008) and Washington (2008-17).

Jefferson, who turns 54 on Wednesday, was the associate head coach for the Arizona Cardinals last season.

He began his NFL coaching career with the Detroit Lions in 2006 and also has coached the wide receivers for the Tennessee Titans (2013-15), Miami Dolphins (2016-18), New York Jets (2019-20) and Cardinals.

Jefferson caught 470 passes for 7,023 yards and 29 TDs in 195 games (130 starts) with the San Diego Chargers (1991-95), New England Patriots (1996-99), Falcons (2000-02) and Lions (2003).

The Panthers hired Reich last month after finishing 7-10 last season under Matt Rhule (1-4) and interim coach Steve Wilks (6-6).

–Field Level Media

Sep 11, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers offensive coach Ben McAdoo and Baker Mayfield on the field before the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Panthers parting with OC Ben McAdoo

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The Carolina Panthers won’t bring back Ben McAdoo as their offensive coordinator in 2023, FOX Charlotte and WSOC-TV in Charlotte reported on Thursday.

The Panthers hired Frank Reich as their new head coach last month, and it was expected that the offensive-minded coach, a former quarterback, would prefer to install his own staff.

McAdoo, 45, spent just one season as the Panthers’ offensive coordinator. It was a lost year for the Panthers as the team cycled through three quarterbacks, each of whom — Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold and P.J. Walker — started at least five games. Carolina also traded franchise running back Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers early in the season.

McAdoo’s offense ranked just 29th in the NFL in total yardage (306.2 per game) but 20th in scoring (20.4 points per game).

McAdoo spent two seasons as the New York Giants’ head coach in 2016-17, compiling a 13-15 regular-season record, after serving as their offensive coordinator the two years before that.

–Field Level Media

Jan 1, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Carolina Panthers interm head coach Steve Wilks during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Steve Wilks ‘disappointed but not defeated’ after Panthers pick Frank Reich

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Numerous players went to bat for interim head coach Steve Wilks to be named full-time coach of the Carolina Panthers. The job, however, went to Frank Reich.

One day after the Panthers announced Reich as their selection, Wilks said he was honored to be coach of the team. He went 6-6 after replacing fired coach Matt Rhule.

“The sun rose this morning and by the grace of God, so did I,” Wilks said in a statement Friday. “I’m disappointed but not defeated. Many people aren’t built for this but I know what it means to persevere and see it through. It was an honor for me to coach those men in the Carolina Panthers’ locker room as the interim head coach. Players, coaches and staff, thank you for your hard work and dedication. I took pride in representing Charlotte, a great city that I love so much. Thank you to my family, friends and the community for your overwhelming support.

“I do wish Frank Reich all the best. I will always be a fan of the Carolina Panthers Football Team.”

Wigdor Law LLP — a New York City-based law firm representing Wilks in his discrimination suit against the NFL — struck a different tone on Thursday.

“We are shocked and disturbed that after the incredible job Coach Wilks did as the interim coach, including bringing the team back into Playoff contention and garnering the support of the players and fans, that he was passed over for the Head Coach position by (owner) David Tepper,” the firm posted on Twitter.

“There is a legitimate race problem in the NFL, and we can assure you that we will have more to say in the coming days.”

Tepper called Wilks before the team made an official announcement regarding Reich on Thursday. Tepper said he was looking for an offensive-minded coach.

Rhule was fired Oct. 10 after a 1-4 start.

Carolina finished with a 7-10 mark and has missed the playoffs in each of the five seasons since Tepper bought the franchise in 2018 for a then-NFL-record $2.275 billion.

Reich is viewed as an offensive-minded coach, which is in stark contrast to the Panthers’ first four head coaches in franchise history. Wilks’ background also was on defense.

On April 7, 2022, Wilks joined fellow Black coach Brian Flores in his discrimination lawsuit against the NFL. Wilks claimed at the time he was a “bridge coach” when he was fired by the Arizona Cardinals after one season and a 3-13 record in 2018.

“This lawsuit has shed further important light on a problem we all know exists, but that too few are willing to confront,” Wilks said in his statement at the time. “Black coaches and candidates should have exactly the same ability to become employed, remain employed, as white coaches and candidates. That is currently not the case.”

–Field Level Media