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The Carolina Panthers are one of many teams in the rebuilding process and have hired Frank Reich as their new head coach for the foreseeable future. After firing Matt Rhule on October 10th, 2022, after a 1-4 start, the team was led by interim head coach Steve Wilks for the rest of the season.
Wilks finished the season 6-6 as the head coach and placed second in the NFC South with a 7-10 record. Despite his success when he took over under unprecedented circumstances, the Panthers elected not to hire him as their next head coach.
The team hired Frank Reich, a former Panthers quarterback and Indianapolis Colts head coach.
Per Tony Pauline of ProFootballNetwork, reports have emerged that some Panthers players are not satisfied with the hiring. Those players believe that Wilks should have gotten the job.
Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer said Frank Reich separated himself from Steve Wilks during the interview process
During Reich's introductory press conference that was held last week, Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer was asked if Wilks had a realistic chance at getting the job.
Fitterer confirmed that he did have a legit shot. Fitterer said:
“He [Wilks] had a legitimate shot. You have to give him respect for what he did for this team during the year. He did a heck of a job leading us. He’s a great man.
He added that it came down to a second interview where Reich went into more depth and detail for the upcoming season's game plan.
Fitterer added:
“But what it came down to, and I’m not gonna compare Frank to Steve or anyone else, Frank during the interview process really separated himself at the end. First time he came in, he was dialed in, laid out his plan. Then when he came back in the second time, he took that plan and went deeper into a different level. And that’s what separated him. All the respect in the world for Steve. He did a great job for us.”
With the hiring, Reich will get his second stint as head coach with the team he used to play quarterback for.
He was the Indianapolis Colts' head coach from 2018-2022 and compiled an overall record of 41-35-1, making the playoffs twice.
If any of the above quotes are used, please credit Scott Fitterer and H/T Sportskeeda.
