The Carolina Panthers are looking for a new head coach after dismissing Frank Reich on Monday, November 27.
Team owner David Tepper personally informed Reich about the decision, informing the 61-year-old that he would no longer continue as the Panthers’ head coach, ESPN reported.
"I met with Coach Reich this morning and informed him that he will not continue as head coach of the Carolina Panthers," Tepper said in an official statement. "I want to thank Frank for his dedication and service, and we wish him well."
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Under Reich, the Panthers racked up a woeful 1-10 win-loss record this 2023-24 NFL season. The decision to move on from him came after the Panthers lost to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, November 26.
With Reich out, the Panthers are skimming the market to see who will take the place of the Super Bowl Champion LII offensive coordinator. As of this writing, there is no clarity on how the Panthers will address their head coaching vacancy.
Here are some of the potential candidates for the Carolina Panthers head coaching vacancy.
Panthers may explore in-house options
The initial expectation of most is that the Panthers will see who is available in the market. But before that, there is also a possibility that Carolina may look at their in-house options, per SI.com.
Three names come to mind. They are:
- Jim Caldwell
- Ejiro Evero
- Thomas Brown
At the moment, Chris Tabor has taken over in an interim capacity. But if he managed to make a good impression and show that he can lead the Panthers in a different direction, he could be another option for Tepper.
Jim Harbaugh may be considered again
Tepper and Jim Harbaugh had discussions last year but nothing materialized. Could this be the right time to revisit those talks?
Although he made a name for himself in college football, Harbaugh’s ability to transition and prove he can achieve the same in the pro ranks. He can work well with quarterbacks, something that could be the key to the Panthers’ offensive shortcomings.
For now, Harbaugh is focusing on his commitment to Michigan Wolverines football. He is set to return on Saturday, December 2, against the Iowa Hawkeyes after serving a three-game suspension from the celebrated sign-stealing incident per ESPN.
Is Ben Johnson still Tepper’s top choice?
Detroit Lions offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions was Tepper’s top choice last season so it would make sense for the Panthers to try again. After opting to return to Detroit, Johnson is a wise choice if Carolina can pull strings.
He learned from Dan Campbell, known to be one of the league’s authentic and aggressive coaches. He looms as a sensible hire, someone who could be the coach that may turn the fortunes of the Panthers.
Special mention: Greg Olsen
Aside from these names, there seems to be someone who would be open to being Frank Reich’s successor – Greg Olsen.
The three-time Pro Bowler played for the Panthers from 2011 to 2019 and is allegedly open to taking on the Panthers coaching job if he were approached, Joseph Person and Richard Deitsch of The Athletic, citing sources, reported.
Olsen is currently a color analyst for Fox. One drawback is that the two-time Second-team All-Pro has no coaching experience. Given the plight of the Panthers right now, it will be interesting if Tepper will give him a try.
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