What pressing items face new Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich ahead of his first campaign at the helm in 2023?
The reaction to Frank Reich becoming Carolina Panthers head coach has been largely positive. There is some dismay about Steve Wilks not getting the chance to continue his solid work as interim, but team owner David Tepper clearly felt this was the best way to progress the franchise long-term.
Reich represents a shift in approach for Carolina. He is the first head coach in franchise history with a true offensive background, which is also in keeping with the current successful trend across the league.
The former Indianapolis Colts head coach will speak for the first time in his new role on Tuesday. But there are many issues that demand his immediate attention.
With this in mind, here are four pressing items facing Reich before the 2023 season begins.
Pressing Item No. 1
Frank Reich must progress Carolina Panthers’ offense
One thing that perhaps separated Frank Reich from other candidates was his plans to develop things offensively. Something that’s been sorely lacking where the Carolina Panthers are concerned in recent years.
Reich must now start putting these proposals into action. There is enough talent to make strides in this crucial area, it’s getting everyone on the same page quickly that could be the biggest stumbling block.
Frank Reich must form Carolina Panthers’ staff
Now that Frank Reich has official confirmation from the Carolina Panthers, the new head coach must now start molding a coaching staff capable of putting his ambitious plans into action. Something that could occur sooner rather than later given how many important events are taking place ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Reich’s reportedly spoken with potential coordinators and assistant coaches before his appointment became official. The Panthers also did their due diligence on defensive coordinators such as Vic Fangio to speed up the process.
Much will depend on Reich’s thoughts, but the Panthers could also keep some previous staff members around. It seems Ben McAdoo’s time with the team will end after just one season, but the likes of Chris Tabor and James Campen could be extended after their stellar work throughout the campaign.
Campen’s work with the offensive line drew widespread plaudits. His experience was invaluable in turning a once-maligned group into one of the league’s most improved, so maintaining coaching continuity with this unit seems imperative.
The same applies to Tabor, who transformed Carolina’s special teams’ production into a real force. Should both stick around, then it would likely smooth Reich’s own transition to a different environment and gain valuable intel on Carolina’s current crop of players.
Frank Reich must help find a new Carolina Panthers QB
The Carolina Panthers and Frank Reich have something in common regarding quarterback fortunes in recent years. That is a series of failed trades for veterans down on their luck which didn’t go according to plan.
There’s no way Reich sold David Tepper on the premise of something similar to win the head coaching gig. Therefore, the most likely scenario for the Panthers and their new head coach is identifying the college prospect of choice and striking with conviction.
This will be more difficult considering Carolina’s draft standing. They are set to pick at No. 9 overall, so making a daring trade-up to secure someone like Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud will be considered by those in power.
Reich is sure to be a leading voice in the decision-making process. He is a former quarterback himself and is renowned for developing young talent, so his own evaluation of this year’s class will be of pivotal importance.
Carolina can no longer rely on gambles at football’s most important position. Something that became a constant source of frustration under Matt Rhule before his removal.
Finding a future franchise signal-caller to build around on a rookie deal is the only way this team progresses into a legitimate contender. Reich will play a significant role in their development moving forward.
Frank Reich must get Carolina Panthers’ locker room onside
There was an untold amount of support for Steve Wilks to get the Carolina Panthers head coaching gig beyond 2022 from within the locker room. Many established stars went public in their calls for the interim tag to be removed, which fell on deaf ears as team owner David Tepper went with Frank Reich, instead.
According to Will Kunkel of FOX Charlotte, many veterans were informed of the reasons behind Reich’s appointment before the news broke. This was met with approval, which is a positive sign that things can go smoothly right out of the gate.
Wilks galvanized the roster incredibly well considering the mess Matt Rhule left behind. Everyone pulled together and bought in when the deck was stacked against the Panthers, which is something that Reich must also accomplish before competitive action commences.
Leaning on influential locker room figures will help. Although in players like Shaq Thompson’s case, they could be sacrificed for salary-cap relief when examining the biggest picture.
Reich is a proven leader of men and knows what it takes to win in the NFL. That is always a solid foundation from which to build, but he’ll need to get everyone onside immediately to avoid further complications down the line.