And then there were two . . . according to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport.
During an appearance on NFL Total Access earlier tonight, Rapoport indicated that the Carolina Panthers may now be choosing between two candidates for their head coaching job—Steve Wilks and Frank Reich.
“They have whittled their search down, it appears, to two names,” he said. “Of course, interim head coach Steve Wilks—getting a good look yesterday, had his second interview and still is in the mix.”
The 2022 interim leader for Carolina, Wilks brought the 1-4 Panthers back from the depths of despair to a respectable 7-10 finish. He instilled a swagger and competitiveness that the team sorely lacked for a number of years, all while winning over his players and fans in the process.
Rapoport continued with his challenger:
“And then Frank Reich—who, of course, has family in Carolina. The first quarterback ever for the Carolina Panthers. Had his second interview today. My understanding is he’s given extremely strong consideration. Nothing is done yet, but Reich is going to get a long, hard look.”
From @NFLTotalAccess: Wrapping up a day of second interviews for the #Panthers and #Colts… pic.twitter.com/6KbIFqeT9t
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 26, 2023
Reich’s 2022 didn’t end as well as Wilks’. After a 3-5-1 start, the 61-year-old was fired in the middle of his fifth season with the Indianapolis Colts.
Nonetheless, both men bring experience and proven success to the table. And now, we wait.
