The Carolina Panthers terminated Frank Reich following the team’s NFL-worst 1-10 start in his debut season at the helm, as announced by Panthers owner David Tepper. Several news outlets reported that Tepper used profanity as he was leaving the locker room after a 17-10 loss to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.
Tepper initially brought in Reich to address the team’s struggling offense and to develop Bryce Young, the No. 1 overall pick acquired in a trade involving four draft picks and top wide receiver D.J. Moore. Despite these efforts, the Panthers are on track for their sixth consecutive losing season since Tepper’s acquisition of the team in 2018.
Chris Tabor, the special teams coordinator, will take over as the interim head coach, while offensive coordinator Thomas Brown assumes the role of play caller for the team, with Jim Caldwell serving as his special adviser.
Tabor becomes the fifth head coach or interim head coach during Tepper’s ownership. After Matt Rhule’s dismissal early last season, interim head coach Steve Wilks took over before Reich was hired at the end of the season.
Reich, who had been let go by the Indianapolis Colts last year, signed a four-year contract with the Panthers that runs through the 2026 season.
Due to their poor record, the Panthers could potentially secure the No. 1 pick in next year’s draft, but that selection will immediately go to the Chicago Bears as part of the trade for Young.
AP NFL:
