Getty Image / Mike Comer
The Carolina Panthers were the first team in the NFL that knew they’d be looking for a new head coach this offseason.
The Panthers only made it through 5 games before firing Matt Rhule this season.
Now they appear to be closing in on a decision on their next head coach. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Panther have narrowed their decision down to two coaches. Those coaches are Steve Wilks and Frank Reich.
From @NFLTotalAccess: Wrapping up a day of second interviews for the #Panthers and #Colts… pic.twitter.com/6KbIFqeT9t
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 26, 2023
They have whittled their search down it appears to two names: of course interim coach Steve Wilks, getting a really strong look … and still is in the mix. And then Frank Reich, who has family in Carolina, the first quarterback ever for the Carolina Panthers… My understanding is he’s being given extremely strong consideration – nothing is done yet – but Reich is going to get a long, hard look here. Would be a great story if this happened.
Reich and Wilks are two very different options.
Reich is a more offensive-minded coach, having spent years as a quarterbacks coach, wide receivers coach, and offensive coordinator before becoming a head coach for the Colts. He is also the slightly more experienced coach with 4 and a half years in charge of the Colts.
Wilks is the option if the Panthers want a defensive coach. Wilks has spent much of his career coaching secondaries or as a defensive coordinator. He only had one year of coaching experience before this season, coaching the Arizona Cardinals to a 3-13 record.
This season was more successful for him as the Panthers’ interim coach. He coached the team to a 6-6 record and keeping them in contention for the NFC South title for much of his time in charge.
Whoever ends up with the job will be hoping they get the one thing Rhule never had as the team’s coach. They’ll need to find a dependable quarterback or it won’t really matter who their coach is.