Frank Reich was fired by the Carolina Panthers on Monday before completing his first season as the franchise’s head coach.
This makes it two in-season firings in two years for Reich, who was also let go by the Indianapolis Colts during the 2022 campaign. Now, Reich, who turns 62 next Monday, will have to decide if he wants to continue coaching at the professional level.
In an exclusive interview with Scott Fowler of the Charlotte Observer, Reich says this is “probably the final chapter of my NFL journey.”
Former #Panthers HC Frank Reich tells @scott_fowler: “This is probably the final chapter of my NFL journey.”
Reich turns 62 years old next week.https://t.co/wSI26W19LV https://t.co/wO0zmc1cHm pic.twitter.com/UpXatlqXXt
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 27, 2023
Additionally, Reich is at least publicly saying all the right things about his dismissal and former boss, Panthers owner David Tepper.
“”NFL is a meritocracy. It’s not unconditional love. I understand from a professional standpoint Mr. Tepper is going to have certain standards that he expects to have met. I have no hard feelings,” Reich told Fowler.
“NFL is a meritocracy. It’s not unconditional love. I understand from a professional standpoint Mr. Tepper is going to have certain standards that he expects to have met. I have no hard feelings.”
Good stuff here. https://t.co/PkgU7cVUVI
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 27, 2023
The Panthers lost 17-10 to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, dropping them to 1-10 under Reich. Special teams coordinator Chris Tabor will serve as Carolina’s interim head coach the rest of the season.
Overall, Reich went 41-43-1 as head coach in Indianapolis and Carolina.