Former Colts coach Frank Reich is emerging as a top head coaching candidate for multiple teams
After being fired by the Indianapolis Colts, Frank Reich may return to the sidelines in 2023 as he advances in multiple coaching searches.
The Indianapolis Colts fired former head coach Frank Reich after a Week 9 loss to the New England Patriots. The loss moved Indy to 3-5-1, and though Reich had slow starts before in his tenure, it was obvious that something was different. So Jim Irsay made the decision to move on from Reich in the middle of the season— the first time Jim Irsay made an in-season coaching change. The move ended Reich’s four-and-a-half-year tenure in Indianapolis.
Reich eventually returned to Indianapolis for a charity event, and at that event, Reich told the media that he plans to get back into coaching. Now, it appears that Frank Reich will have the opportunity to return to the sidelines in 2023. Along with the Colts, four other teams are actively searching for a new head coach. Reich’s name has been a part of multiple searches and he’s currently advancing to the second round for some teams.
On Wednesday, it was announced that Reich would be having a second interview with the Carolina Panthers. According to NFL insider, Ian Rapoport, Reich has emerged as a strong candidate in Carolina and the team has been showing a lot of interest in the former head coach of the Colts.
From NFL Now: The #Panthers are speaking with former #Colts coach Frank Reich, who has emerged as a really strong candidate in Carolina. Reich, Kellen Moore and Steve Wilks have all gotten a second look. pic.twitter.com/Rtdn2kDbGJ
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 25, 2023
Frank Reich has a second interview with Carolina Panthers
NFL insider Josina Anderson also reported that the Panthers have already “explored possible staff scenarios with Frank Reich.” Anderson said that Carolina’s ownership entered the hiring process with “interest in an experienced head coach with an offensive background.” Reich certainly fits that mold having played quarterback in the league, building his name as an offensive assistant, and being a head coach for over four seasons.
Fittingly, Reich started three games at quarterback for the Panthers during their inaugural season. He of course played the majority of his career with the Buffalo Bills and had stops with the New York Jets and Detroit Lions before transitioning into coaching. Starting with the Colts in 2006, Reich has coached quarterbacks and receivers while also being an offensive coordinator throughout the NFL, before returning to Indy in 2018 as head coach. His coaching record is currently 40-33-1.
While things are heading in the right direction for Reich and the Panthers, his name is also in the mix for the Arizona Cardinals opening. Reich has already had a first interview with Arizona, and Maurice Moton of Bleacher Report predicted that Reich will ultimately end up with the Cardinals. Whether it’s Carolina or Arizona, Reich will likely be back on the sidelines in 2023. If it is the Panthers, Reich will be squaring off against his former team soon, as the Colts are scheduled to travel to Carolina for a game next season.
