Frank Reich’s tireless approach lays foundations for Panthers success

A tireless approach from Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich in the first few weeks since his appointment has laid the foundations for success.

No sooner had Frank Reich become head coach of the Carolina Panthers, he immediately set about making his presence felt. With general manager Scott Fitterer working on the playing personnel side of things with input from elsewhere, it left the respected figure free to mold a coaching staff that’s gained national recognition over the last fortnight.

Reich‘s strong connections around the league coupled with team owner David Tepper’s vast financial resources enabled the Panthers to form an all-star staff loaded with legitimate NFL coaching experience, former head coaches, and those that could potentially get promotions to a top job in the very near future.

Frank Reich has excelled as Carolina Panthers’ head coach so far

During an interview with Panthers.com this week, Reich revealed that this process involved a lot of late nights and hundreds of calls to get the right figures into the building. Something he hopes will bear fruit throughout the upcoming preparation period.

"“There’s been two solid weeks of me getting here at 5, 5:30 in the morning, and leaving the office at 10, 10:30 at night. And that’s normal during the season, but I’m literally here, and 80 percent of that time is spent on the phone.”"

This tireless work ethic has laid the foundations for what will hopefully be a successful first season at the helm. The rest button has been hit from Matt Rhule’s disastrous tenure, and Reich’s professionalism to strive for excellence convinced some huge names to join the ranks.

Of course, this is just the start. Reich knows more is needed and plenty of hard decisions are upcoming before the team gathers for OTAs, but Carolina’s first quarterback in franchise history clearly feels the chemistry is right where it needs to be ahead of such a pivotal offseason.

"“You need to get a group together that the chemistry is going to be right. It’s really, really important. And there’s no magic. I’m encouraged to hear that people think that so far the staff has been good. But at the same time, I’m like, I don’t know. I mean, we’re just doing what we do.”"

To say this is a refreshing change of pace would be understating things slightly. Reich is the polar opposite of Rhule, who fumbled his way through three years as head coach, sacrificing anyone in his path to save himself, and throwing countless players under the bus to relieve pressure.

It all caught up to him in the end. But for Reich, it’s about starting the plan from scratch, trusting the coaches and front office personnel, and striking with conviction as part of a cohesive approach in all areas of the franchise.

Then, and only then, will the Panthers emerge from the doldrums and into contention.

Reich will be the first to tell you that this is going to take time. However, the coach has given himself a firm platform by hiring the best candidates for roles rather than focusing on people he’s operated with before.

Another stark contrast from the way Rhule ran things. And the transparency during press availability is another positive impact Reich’s brought to his new role, which is a comfort for fans after hearing nothing but excuses and no accountability under the previous permanent regime.

So far, so good.