
David Tepper, the owner of the Carolina Panthers, has been under scrutiny for his handling of head coach Frank Reich. Tepper acquired the Panthers in 2018 and has since made several coaching changes, sparking concerns about his commitment to Reich's future.
Reich was hired as the Panthers' head coach in 2021, but his tenure has been marked by inconsistency and a lack of clear direction. Frank Reich's coaching record with the Panthers is 9-23.
The uncertainty surrounding Reich's future with the Panthers has led to speculation about Tepper's long-term plans for the team. The Panthers have struggled to find consistency on the field, which has put pressure on Reich to deliver results.
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David Tepper's Decision
David Tepper's decision to fire Frank Reich after just one season is a significant move, especially considering Reich's short tenure is the shortest in 45 years.
David Tepper defended himself, stating that he has patience and his reputation away from the game is one of extreme patience. He even hopes his next head coach will last 20 to 30 years.
Tepper fired Reich after a 1-10 start, which is a tough spot for any coach to be in. The Panthers' offense ranks 29th in points scored and 30th in yardage, which is not ideal.
The Panthers' owner took full responsibility for the decision, saying that everything that's right or wrong is ultimately his fault. He also downplayed reports that he meddled in the decision to draft Bryce Young, saying that football people make the bulk of the decision-making processes.
Tepper's patience is being put to the test, especially with the Panthers' poor record and lack of supporting cast for Young. He'll be making his third full-time coaching hire in less than six calendar years, which is a lot of turnover.
The Panthers' owner is confident in his decision to draft Young, saying that it was a unanimous decision by the coaches and scouts. He believes that Young was a strong pick at the time, but the surrounding talent has not lived up to expectations.
Tepper will be looking for a coach who can scheme Young into advantageous situations, given the talent deficit on the roster. The recent success of the Kyle Shanahan coaching tree might influence his search, with names like Bobby Slowik being considered.
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NFL Fans React to Panthers Firing Frank Reich
NFL fans are not happy about the Panthers firing Frank Reich, and for good reason - it's the second time in as many seasons the team has let go of a coach during the season.
The Panthers' 1-10 record under Reich, with a struggling Bryce Young at the helm, has fans questioning owner David Tepper's decision-making. Young has thrown for 1,877 yards and nine touchdowns against eight interceptions as a rookie.
Fans are already ripping Tepper for his organization's instability and lack of supporting cast, which is partly to blame for the team's struggles. The Panthers have perhaps the NFL's worst roster and owe their first-round pick to the Chicago Bears.
The new coaching hire will be critical in justifying the Young pick, especially given the talent deficit on the roster. Whoever takes the job will need to scheme Young into advantageous situations.
The Panthers have not won seven games in a season since Tepper took over, which is a stark contrast to the six seasons before he purchased the franchise.
Frank Reich's Fate
Frank Reich's fate is a direct result of David Tepper's decision-making. He was fired on Monday, a move that's not entirely surprising given the circumstances.
The Panthers' struggles can be attributed to Tepper's role in a catastrophic trade for rookie quarterback Bryce Young. This trade saw the team give up a lot of valuable assets, including a 2023 first-round pick and top wide receiver D.J. Moore.
Frank Reich was set up to fail by Tepper's decisions, which is why his firing is somewhat of a given. The Panthers' front office reportedly felt uneasy about the deal, but they went along with it.
Young's performance has been mistake-prone, with nine touchdowns to eight interceptions in 10 starts. His inability to fire the ball fast into tight windows or complete deep balls has enabled opponents to play up.
Carolina will continue to stick with Young through next season and likely through 2025, unless they take a first-round quarterback that year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Panthers owner fined $300,000?
The Panthers owner, David Tepper, was fined $300,000 for throwing a drink at a fan, violating NFL conduct standards.
How much did Frank Reich get paid?
Frank Reich earns around $9 million per year. His annual salary is set to continue until 2026.
What happened to Frank Reich?
Frank Reich was fired as the Panthers head coach in November after an 11-game stint. He's since been focusing on family and consulting, with football still a possibility in his future.
Sources
- https://sports.yahoo.com/david-tepper-defends-panthers-after-firing-frank-reich-i-do-have-patience-161316777.html
- https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10098815-nfl-fans-rip-panthers-david-tepper-for-firing-frank-reich-amid-bryce-young-rumors
- https://nypost.com/2023/11/27/sports/panthers-owner-david-tepper-mad-after-loss-with-coach-on-hot-seat/
- https://sportsnaut.com/frank-reich-firing-nothing-new-carolina-panthers/
- https://www.themirror.com/sport/american-football/frank-reich-david-tepper-panthers-210466
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