The Carolina Panthers made one solid business decision, but that didn’t make it any less shocking.
They hired former Indianapolis Colts HC Frank Reich to take the reins of the team going forward, which made sense, given he was one of the best and most experienced coaches available for hire.
Reich was wrongfully let go by the Indianapolis Colts, and he had strong ties to Charlotte from his playing days.
However, several people assumed that the job was Steve Wilks’ to lose after he led the team to a 6-6 record and kept them in contention to win the NFC South last season.
Wilks took over in Week 6, with Matt Rhule being fired after a mediocre 1-4 start to the season.
The Panthers lost their best player, Christian McCaffrey, yet they closed out the season in surprising fashion, playing impressive defense and nearly upsetting the eventual division champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
All that with a questionable situation at quarterback, to say the least.
That’s why Wilks didn’t hide his disappointment after not getting the nod to be their next HC, a position he thought he had earned with hard work and results.
Wilks released a statement claiming how honored he was for having the chance to coach those players and showing his love for the city of Charlotte, all while wishing Reich the best.
— Steve Wilks (@ScoreonD) January 27, 2023
And while Reich has most definitely earned his stripes in this league, Wilks’ lawyers believe race had a lot to do with the Panthers’ decision to not bring him back.
NEXT: Frank Reich Is Facing A Familiar Problem In Carolina
