4 major observations from the Carolina Panthers hiring Frank Reich

What were some major observations from the Carolina Panthers appointing Frank Reich as their new head coach in 2023?

After a comprehensive search for a head coach, the Carolina Panthers have their guy. Frank Reich was the man chosen by team owner David Tepper and other leading figures within the organization, which marks the dawning of a new era in 2023.

Reich remains a respected coach despite being fired by the Indianapolis Colts. His offensive nous is renowned and the former quarterback also has a strong track record when it comes to developing young talent for good measure.

This was harsh on Steve Wilks after doing a stellar job in challenging circumstances. But Tepper clearly felt Reich was the right man to lead this once-proud franchise back to prominence.

With that being said, here are four major observations from the Panthers’ hiring of Reich.

Major Observation No. 1

Carolina Panthers almost went with Kellen Moore

According to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, it wasn’t Steve Wilks who finished runner-up in the Carolina Panthers head coaching sweepstakes. The insider stated that Kellen Moore’s impressive interviews almost tipped the scales in his favor before David Tepper went with Frank Reich.

This would have been a bombshell swerve that had the potential to fracture the fanbase once again. But it’s a sign of growth that Tepper didn’t act on the impulse that cost him so dearly with Matt Rhule.

Carolina Panthers went with NFL experience

After David Tepper‘s gamble on a college coach bringing his success to the NFL failed abysmally, it’s evident a fresh change of approach was needed. No longer could the billionaire act on his first impression – it needed to be a collective effort to finally get the Carolina Panthers moving forward.

While the players and most fans wanted Steve Wilks, Tepper and other front-office figures were clearly not 100 percent convinced. But their intent to find someone with true NFL head coaching experience led them to Frank Reich.

Things didn’t end well with the Indianapolis Colts, which is a concern. However, there were many other factors in play that centered around a series of failed moves at the quarterback position following Andrew Luck’s shock retirement.

This is the safest move Tepper’s made since buying the Panthers from Jerry Richardson. Reich should command instant respect and have a concise coaching strategy to build on Wilks’ fine work throughout the 2022 campaign.

It might not work out, which would be a disaster. But there is enough evidence to suggest that Reich can put his previous experience to good use in pursuit of avoiding similar mistakes this time around.

After Rhule fluffed his lines time and time again, this was the only logical step.

Carolina Panthers followed the current trend

With coaches with backgrounds on offense once again thriving in the playoffs, this was something the Carolina Panthers couldn’t ignore. And for the first time in franchise history, they appointed an offensive-minded head coach.

Frank Reich is a former quarterback that threw Carolina’s first-ever touchdown pass. His career has now come full circle by becoming the team’s leader within the locker room, which brings a significant amount of intrigue and genuine hope for progression.

Obviously, the first port of call is finding a new quarterback. Reich has a strong reputation for developing talent and after veteran trades didn’t pan out with the Indianapolis Colts, going after their college prospect of choice is the likely option.

There is enough talent in Carolina for Reich to hit the ground running. But they must nail their man under center considering the constant stream of poor personnel choices when Matt Rhule held absolute power.

It’ll be interesting to see how the players respond to an offensive-minded coach after so long without one. If Reich gets them all buying in early and the reinforcements acquired transition well, then there is a real chance to seize the NFC South initiative with so much uncertainty elsewhere.

Carolina Panthers could have a lawsuit on their hands

Steve Wilks can feel hard done by. His work on an interim basis transformed the Carolina Panthers and even though it came with a 6-6 final record, this was a stark improvement to anything the team accomplished under Matt Rhule.

Going in a different direction could see the Panthers added to Brian Flores’ class-action lawsuit against the NFL. Wilks is already part of this from his time with the Arizona Cardinals, so putting Carolina on the list is something the respected coach will no doubt consider.

Wigdor Law LLC, who are representing Flores and others in their case, put out a strong statement directed at the Panthers once their hire of Frank Reich became official. This is something to monitor closely in the days and weeks ahead.

"“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 David Tepper. 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.”"

David Tepper has every right to appoint who he wants. Although there was an incredible amount of sentiment surrounding Wilks, the NFL is a business and the owner is king when push comes to shove.

This does nothing to remove the hiring problem for minority coaches. But the onus is now on Wilks to decide on further action once the dust settles.