Frank Reich and the Carolina Panthers already have themselves an all-star coaching staff. But that doesn’t mean they’re not looking to add more brainpower, especially when it comes to one all-star in particular.
Following Wednesday’s installment of voluntary minicamp, Reich spoke about having former Panthers linebacker and future Pro Football Hall of Famer Luke Kuechly on the premises.
“It’s a big deal,” he said. “I was just over there talking to him after practice. I don’t know Luke that well, met him once or twice very briefly. And as I’m sitting there talking to him—I’m kinda wantin’ to talk to him for a few minutes—all of a sudden, all the defensive players are comin’ over to talk to him. I just stepped out of the way, right?
“He’s earned that kind of respect around here. We’re excited that he would come around. Great pro, great person—as I’ve gotten to know him—and just tryin’ to pick his brain a little bit. I mean, this guy’s unique. Hopefully he’ll be around more and more.”
“More and more” as in being an actual coach . . . ?
“I’ve talked to him,” Reich said when asked if he’s mentioned a coaching job to Kuechly. “I’ve kinda broached that with him—a few months ago actually. Don’t think he was ready for that conversation yet. But I just tried to maybe plant that seed a little bit. I don’t know if he’ll ever do it. But certainly, we would welcome it if he would.”
The 2013 Defensive Player of the Year and five-time First-team All-Pro has, of course, been asked this question many times before. As Reich acknowledged, Kuechly is still trying to figure out the correct timing—or if that even exists—for such a decision.
So maybe Luke’s just fine with doing radio and draft hype videos for now.
