The Panthers entered the season with a new coaching staff and new quarterback, hoping to start a new era of successful football. Instead, No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young has struggled to begin his career, while head coach Frank Reich already gave up play calling duties due to the offense’s ineffectiveness.
While teams rarely fire head coaches after just their first season on the job, Carolina may be considering doing so with Reich. The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported on The Athletic Football Show that the Panthers may need to see the offense improve in order to bring Reich back next year.
“There’s frustration with the way this offense is performing, the development of Bryce Young, the overall effort and energy from the players and from the coaches,” Russini said. “I think in terms of a leash right now I think it’s a short one for the future of this coaching staff.”
"They are having conversations about if Frank Reich is the right guy to get the best out of Bryce Young
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) November 14, 2023
...I think the only way this staff can keep their jobs is if there is significant improvement."@DMRussini and @robertmays https://t.co/kitIV9M6Dn pic.twitter.com/OrF1dwwscE
Russini explained that Carolina envisioned a much stronger offensive unit by bringing in a variety of coaches with different experience levels and philosophies. However, the offensive output has not looked anything like what the team envisioned in the offseason, and it could mean Reich’s job is already on the line.
“What they were hoping for this to look like vs. the reality of it, it’s just too far apart,” she said. “I think the only way this staff can keep their jobs at the end of this year will be if there is significant improvement.”
Carolina fired Matt Rhule in the middle of last season, not even halfway into his seven-year deal. Then in the offseason, they hired Reich, who had previously been the Colts’ head coach, along with veteran assistants Thomas Brown, Duce Staley and James Campen.
The Panthers then made an offseason splash to trade up and draft Young first in the draft. However, Young’s first season has been rough, as the rookie has totaled just 1,560 yards, eight touchdowns and seven interceptions in eight games this year.
Carolina enters Week 11 with a 1-8 record, the only team without multiple victories this season. They also don’t one their first round pick in the 2024 draft, as they traded it to the Bears as part of the Young deal.
