Exclusive: Frank Reich’s remarks upon David Tepper’s dismissal as the Panthers’ head coach
After the Carolina Panthers’ 1-10 start, Frank Reich was sacked as head coach on Monday.
He stated on the same day that he will always be a fan of the franchise and that he had “no hard feelings” for team president David Tepper.
Reich expressed regret that he was unable to steer the Panthers in the proper way within the allotted time limit in an exclusive conversation with The Charlotte Observer.
I don’t hold any grudges, and our close personal friendship was the high point of our brief time together.
Reich expressed his profound displeasure at not meeting the necessary benchmarks to sustain the current momentum and attempt to reverse its course. “I feel bad for the guys, the group, the coaches, and the supporters.”
Reich also stated, “I want to convey that I have only positive thoughts about Mr. Tepper,” in reference to Tepper, who dismissed him in person on Monday morning at Bank America’s Stadium just before the announcement was made.
I saw a part of him that I really care about and respect on a personal level. The NFL, however, is a meritocracy. It’s not love at first sight.
I’m well aware that Mr. Tepper will have expectations based on certain standards form a professional standpoint, and I am prepared for them.
Reich agreed to lead the Panthers for four years in January. He didn’t make it through more than half a season. The team guaranteed him a four-year contract, which they will honor in full.
Tepper had a news conference set for Tuesday at 10:30 a.m., but he was not accessible to speak to the media on Monday. That is what I really think. Yes, I do think that God directs our paths.
Reich was the first starting quarterback for the Carolina Panthers. He went 0–3 in his first three games as the team’s expansion in 1995 until Kerry Collins, a rookie quarterback, took his place.
Reich saw this opportunity to bring a “magical” conclusion to his more than 30-year career as an NFL player as well as coach when he returned to the Carolinas as head coach.
Reich stated, “It was a great opportunity.” “It was amazing how the doors opened for it.” However, not all stories have a happy ending.
I find solace, tranquility, and fortitude in the knowledge that there is still another chapter left in my life.
After being fired by Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper on Monday, when the team was 1-10, Frank Reich insisted he had “no hard feelings” for Tepper.
Reich told Scott Fowler of the Charlotte Observer, “There’s a heart-pounding frustration in not hitting the marks we felt we needed to hit to keep it going and try to get it turned around.” “It hurts me to think about the guys, the team, the managers, and the fans.”
Reich served as head coach of the Indianapolis Colts from 2018 till last November. With the team, he recorded a 40-33-1 regular-season record.
Reich was hired by Carolina this past winter, and it is said that he was a major factor in the team selecting quarterback Bryce Young first overall rather than C.J. Stroud.
Reich told Fowler, “I want to make it clear that I have merely good things to say about Mr. Tepper.” “I noticed a side if him that I really care about and respect on a personal level. The NFL, however, is a meritocracy.
It’s not love at first sight. I am aware that Mr. Tepper will have expectations based on certain standards from the perspective of a professional, and I am prepared for them.
I don’t hold any grudges, and our intimate relationship was the true high point of our brief time together.