The Carolina Panthers have announced that they are firing head coach Frank Reich after just one season. Carolina is currently just 1-10 and has the worst record in the NFL at the time of writing. Now, Special Teams Coordinator Chris Tabor will take over as the interim head coach.
How We Got Here
The Carolina Panthers have been a major disappointment this season. They were looking to head in a new direction after hiring a veteran head coach and trading up for the #1 overall draft pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, things have just not worked out that way for the Panthers.
There were warning signs that this could happen. One of the biggest ones occurred after Week 6. Back then, Carolina was 0-6 and coming off of a 42-21 loss to the Miami Dolphins. After that loss, it came out that Reich was going to give up play-calling duties.
However, things did not improve much after that. The Panthers went just 1-4 in their next five games. They also averaged just over 12 points per game in that stretch.
Carolina Panthers’ Future
There are many question marks for the Carolina Panthers now. One of which involves the NFL Draft. Last year, they traded up for the #1 overall draft pick. However, that move has been heavily criticized considering what the Panthers gave up and how it has played out.
Carolina gave up a lot of capital and passed on QB C.J. Stroud, who is likely to win NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Instead, they drafted QB Bryce Young. Many have felt that Stroud is the superior QB in the NFL.
If that was not enough, they made it tougher on themselves to rebuild next season. Right now, they have the worst record in the NFL. That should mean they at least have a top pick to look forward to, right?
Well, not so fast. They gave that pick up to move up in the last draft. Now, the Chicago Bears own that pick and will likely use it to draft a quarterback of their own. While Reich may not have worked out for Carolina, they could have a long rebuild ahead because of past moves.
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