“The Carolina Panthers have made a education change, parting approaches with Frank Reich after a tough 1-10 begin to the 2023 season. Special team’s coordinator Chris Tabor steps in as interim head coach, while offensive coordinator Thomas Brown takes over play-calling duties. Explore the reasons behind the decision and the team’s quest for offensive improvement.”
“Coaching Shake-Up: Chris Tabor Steps In as Interim Head Coach for Struggling Panthers”
In an effort to revitalize their struggling offense, the Carolina Panthers made a coaching move that sent shockwaves through the NFL. Frank Reich, hired just last offseason to bring a spark to the team’s offensive game, was relieved of his duties after 11 games into the 2023 season.
With a difficult 1-10 start to the 2023 season, the Carolina Panthers made a major coaching choice on Monday by firing their head coach. According to NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, sources close to the situation confirmed the move.
Stepping into the interim head coach role is Chris Tabor, the Special Teams Coordinator, as reported by Rapoport. The club officially announced the coaching shake-up, revealing that senior assistant Jim Caldwell will now serve as a special advisor to Thomas Brown, the Offensive Coordinator, who will resume play-calling duties.
Owner David Tepper expressed the decision, stating, “I met with Coach Reich this morning and informed him that he will not continue as head coach of the Carolina Panthers. I need to thank Frank for his determination and service, and we desire him well. Effective immediately, Special Teams Coordinator Chris Tabor will function our intervening time head coach. Senior Assistant Jim Caldwell can be a unique marketing consultant to Offensive Coordinator Thomas Brown, who will take over play-calling duties.
There were difficulties throughout Frank Reich’s time with the Panthers, as the squad did not make much progress in his first season. The breaking point came after in-game mismanagement issues during a 17-10 loss to the Tennessee Titans.
It was clear that the Panthers were having offensive difficulties as evidenced by their subpar blocking, mediocre run game, and underdeveloped receiving group. The struggles of top pick Bryce Young, who displayed poor habits and limited playmaking ability, added to the team’s woes. The decision to shuffle play-calling responsibilities between Reich and Brown further contributed to the inconsistent offensive performance.
In terms of statistics, the Panthers ranked among the bottom four in scoring (15.7; 29th) and total offense (265.9; 30th) in 2023 under Reich. The rushing game averaged a mere 92.6 yards per game (29th) with only three rushing touchdowns, tying for the fewest in the league.
The team’s overall point margin in 2023 stands at -119, ranking 31st in the NFL. They also tied for the second-most points in the league after scoring 15 or less in seven games.
The Panthers’ significant investment in Bryce Young, including trading away a 2024 first-round pick (currently sitting at No. 1 overall), emphasizes the importance of seeing progress from the young quarterback in the remaining six games. The coaching change resulted from the ownership’s lack of faith in Reich’s ability to support Young’s development. Now, the responsibility falls on Thomas Brown and Jim Caldwell to reshape the narrative as the season progresses.
In 2022, Frank Reich was fired from the Indianapolis Colts after Week 9. He thus becomes the third head coach in NFL history to be fired in back-to-back seasons, following in the footsteps of Ray Rhodes (Eagles and Packers) and Chip Kelly (49ers and Eagles).