The Carolina Panthers’ search for their next head coach came to an end Thursday when the team announced they’d agreed to terms with Frank Reich – making him the first in his position with an offensive background.
Fans had mixed reactions to the news, with some embracing a departure from the norm and others wanting to see Steve Wilks build on what he was able to do with his term as interim head coach.
I do really feel bad for Coach Wilks. He loves Charlotte & put his heart & soul into fixing what was the worst team in the league when he inherited them. He fired people, trimmed the fat, & had the team playing .500 football. Much respect to him.
— Al (@biakabutuka21) January 26, 2023
I feel like the Panthers are hopping on the Offensive Coach trend late. DCs are already formulating how to stop Mahomes, Burrows, Lamar, Allen and such right now. Who innovates first shifts the paradigm again. It ain’t gon take 10 years to do
— CAGE LUKE MR. (@CageLukeMr) January 26, 2023
Just saw the news and i'm TRULY disgusted…need to log off this app for a bit so that I don't go on a disrespectful tirade! It's almost as if we enjoy the role as reinventors of the wheel. Let's just test the waters and sail thru mediocrity all over again…or sink beneath it.
— ReGGiE CHR🥥Me 🗣👥 (@reggiechrome) January 26, 2023
I'll accept Frank Reich as an offensive-minded respected HC. Definitely a far cry from unproven hype beast youth pastor Matt Rhule.
— ⚛ Wíñńïňğ Čúłťůřē ⚛ (@BigCheeseTC) January 26, 2023
Now:
– Need a Rookie QB and Free Agency to hit though.
Fitterer it's on you now bossman.
The hypocrisy on my TL is what gets me….. Wilks loses to a better or even team with the bucs for a playoff spot = shameful…….. Frank Reich getting dog walked by the Jags in a win and go to the playoffs situation during the urban Meyer year = no indictment whatsoever
— Rob Pelinka is a SEMI terrorist (@m_siff) January 26, 2023
New beginnings but old vibes 💭🚀 let’s go pic.twitter.com/kq6sOlad6n
— LilRocketNasa (@lilrocketnasa) January 26, 2023
Once again the NFL just do a black man dirty @Panthers smh Wilkes did a hell of a job w them boys man y’all should be ashamed
— 🥊🦋🐝 (@CediB_) January 26, 2023
We love ya Coach Wilks.
— IamMontyFetti 🖤💙✊🏾 (@4MR_Monty) January 26, 2023
The definition of a class act. Hate we didn’t lock you in for the well deserved and EARNED HC position.
I hope you prospect wherever you land. #KeepPounding pic.twitter.com/hX0rLqjNJl
Steve Wilks, I love you man. I wish you the best even if you don’t stay here with us. You gave us something to actually look forward to that late in the season. Gave us a hope at playoffs. Thank you🫶🙏🏼
— 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭 (@TrolledByMatt) January 26, 2023
I was hoping for Wilks as HC and Reich as OC but Reich is a good hire as HC. He did some really good things in Indy considering one of the best QBs in the sport suddenly retired on him. I feel awful for Wilks tho.
— Travis Hancock (@TBoneWFNZ) January 26, 2023
I don’t know shit about Frank Reich outside of him completely torpedoing the Indy Colts. This is not a good hire. That’s my outlook until I’m proven wrong. This franchise is in Hell.
— Veezy World Peace 🌎 (@NotoriousVIC007) January 26, 2023
A new era begins where it all started. pic.twitter.com/lXdCWmG3Bw
— Michael Rimmer (@avl_mike) January 26, 2023
This wasn't the worst choice, but it ain't an upgrade from Wilks. https://t.co/Xe4mpD8gkU
— 🌊🏖💙🤎 Uncle Daimyo Wholesome, Part time Villain (@newbeachfan) January 26, 2023
Solid hire. Hopefully this plays out well and we get going https://t.co/NVdfcdjMPQ
— CoachTrav (MurakamiToNYY⚾️🔥) (@_coachtrav) January 26, 2023
C’Mon!! 😤😤 pic.twitter.com/z0e9fWXO1w
— Tre Boston (@TreBos10) January 26, 2023
The Multi-Million Dollar Bet: UNC Charts a Path Forward Under Belichick