Frank Reich named Carolina Panthers' new head coach. He was the franchise's first-ever QB.
Chris BumbacaThe first quarterback in Carolina Panthers history is returning to coach the team.
Frank Reich has been hired to replace interim coach Steve Wilks, who took over after Week 5 when owner David Tepper fired Matt Rhule.
Reich, 61, was fired by the Indianapolis Cots on Nov. 7 and finished with a 40-33-1 record in almost five seasons.
In Indianapolis, Reich never had a consistent quarterback – with veterans Phillip Rivers, Carson Wentz and Matt Ryan – but he managed to lead Indianapolis to the postseason in 2018 and 2020.
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The Panthers don't have the quarterback spot set in stone either, with Sam Darnold a free agent.
Reich was the offensive coordinator under Doug Pederson during the Philadelphia Eagles' Super Bowl 52 victory. Weeks later, the Colts hired him after their deal with Josh McDaniels – now coach of the Las Vegas Raiders – fell through.
Reich became the franchise's first starting quarterback when it entered the league in 1995. He started the first three games and went 0-3; Reich played until 1998 and began his coaching career in 2006 as an intern with the Colts.
The Panthers started the season 1-4 but were 6-6 under Wilks and were in contention for the NFC South title until Week 17.
Follow Chris Bumbaca on Twitter @BOOMbaca.
