Frank Reich's tenure with the Carolina Panthers has been cut short after just 11 games, with the head coach being fired following a challenging 1-10 start to the 2023 season, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported, per sources informed of the situation. Special teams coordinator Chris Tabor will step in as the interim head coach, and additional changes include the dismissal of quarterbacks coach Josh McCown and assistant head coach/RBs Duce Staley.
"I met with Coach Reich this morning and informed him that he will not continue as head coach of the Carolina Panthers," owner David Tepper said in a statement on Monday. "I want to thank Frank for his dedication and service, and we wish him well. Effective immediately, Special Teams Coordinator Chris Tabor will serve as our interim head coach. Senior Assistant Jim Caldwell will be a special advisor to Offensive Coordinator Thomas Brown, who will take over play calling duties."
The decision was prompted by in-game mismanagement issues, particularly evident in the team's recent 17-10 loss to the Tennessee Titans. Reich acknowledged the disappointment in an interview with The Charlotte Observer on Monday, stating, "There's a heart-pounding disappointment in not hitting the marks that we needed to hit to keep this going and try to get it turned around."
Reich reflected on his relationship with Tepper, saying, "I want to convey that I have nothing but positive thoughts about Mr. Tepper. On a personal level, I saw a side of him that I deeply respect and care about. But the NFL is a meritocracy. It's not unconditional love. I understand from a professional standpoint Mr. Tepper is going to have certain standards that he expects to have met. I have no hard feelings, and my personal relationship with him was actually a real highlight of this short time."
Reich's departure comes amidst a challenging season for the Panthers, marked by offensive struggles, poor blocking, a lackluster run game, and difficulties with No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young. The quarterback has displayed poor habits amid the losing and rarely has flashed playmaking ability. The coach handing off play-calling to Brown and then taking them back didn't help the inconsistent offense.The team ranks near the bottom in scoring and total offense in 2023.
Reich's comments indicated that this development might mark "the final chapter" of his time in the NFL. The Panthers will now look to interim head coach Chris Tabor, offensive coordinator Thomas Brown, and special advisor Jim Caldwell to bring about a positive change in the team's performance over the remaining six games.
Reich, who the Indianapolis Colts dismissed after Week 9, 2022, became the third head coach in NFL history to be fired in back-to-back seasons -- Chip Kelly (Eagles and 49ers) and Ray Rhodes (Eagles and Packers).
