Former Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich has been hired as the new head coach of the Carolina Panthers, per multiple reports Thursday.
Reich emerged as a finalist for the job this week, along with Panthers interim head coach Steve Wilks and Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore.
The Colts are scheduled to play an away game against the Panthers at Bank of America Stadium.
The news was first reported by Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
The #Panthers are hiring Frank Reich as their head coach, sources tell me and @RapSheet.
Reich threw the first touchdown pass in franchise history in 1995. Now, he returns to Carolina as head coach. pic.twitter.com/IfKQnI70b5
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 26, 2023
Reich’s tenure with the Colts ended on a dramatic note as owner Jim Irsay stepped in to make the decision halfway through the 2022 season. Though the Colts were a struggling 3-5-1 team, they finished 1-7 on a seven-game losing streak with Jeff Saturday as the interim head coach.
There are areas Reich will need to improve upon wherever he gets a job next, but he was proven to be a smart offensive mind, a strong leader and a benefit to the local community. He led the Colts to a 40-33-1 regular season record while going 1-2 in the playoffs during his time with the Colts.
It’s likely that Reich will poach a number of coaches from the Colts’ current coaching staff considering they all have a strong connection and because the franchise hasn’t announced its new head coach yet.
Like Colts Wire on Facebook
Follow Colts Wire on Twitter
Follow Kevin on Twitter (@KevinHickey11)
