Panthers fire Reich midway through first year in Carolina
Coach pays price for 1-10 start and struggling quarterback
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Frank Reich era in Carolina is over after only 11 games.
The Carolina Panthers fired their coach on Monday following the team’s Nfl-worst 1-10 start in his first year at the helm.
Panthers owner David Tepper announced the move hours after several news outlets reported that he used a profanity as he was leaving the locker room following a 17-10 loss to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.
“I met with coach Reich this morning and informed him that he will not continue as head coach of the Carolina Panthers. I want to thank Frank for his dedication and service, and we wish him well,” Tepper said in a statement. “Special teams coordinator Chris Tabor will serve as our interim head coach. Senior assistant Jim Caldwell will be special advisor to offensive coordinator Thomas Brown, who will take over play-calling duties.”
Tepper hired Reich, 61, to fix one of the league’s worst offenses over the past few seasons and develop Bryce Young, the No. 1 overall pick whom he gave up four draft picks and top wide receiver D.J. Moore to acquire this past offseason in the hopes of winning quickly. Instead, the Panthers are assured a franchise-record sixth straight losing season.
The Panthers are 30-63 since Tepper bought the team from Jerry Richardson in 2018 for $2.275 billion and have never made the playoffs.
Tabor’s first move as interim coach was to fire quarterbacks coach Josh Mccown and running backs coach Duce Staley, according to a person familiar with the situation. Mccown and Staley were handpicked by Reich to be assistants.
When Tepper makes his next head coaching hire after the season, it will be the seventh fulltime or interim head coach to serve under him. Reich is the third head coach fired during the season under Tepper.
The Panthers canceled all media access Monday.
Reich is the second NFL head coach to be fired this season, joining Josh Mcdaniels with the Raiders.