In somewhat of a surprising move, the Carolina Panthers announced the firing of head coach Frank Reich on Monday, marking the second coaching casualty of the NFL season.
This quick firing comes in the wake of the Las Vegas Raiders earlier decision to part ways with head coach Josh McDaniels and general manager David Ziegler on November 1st.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter appeared on “The Pat McAfee Show” and made a bold prediction about the coaching landscape in the league and what to expect in the near-future.
Schefter suggested that the upcoming coaching turnover could reach unprecedented levels, estimating that “there could be anywhere between seven and 10 head coaches that lose their jobs.”
Schefter explained the rationale behind his forecast, stating, “The timeline on these things has been accelerated. Last week on this show I said to you, hunting season begins right after Thanksgiving. And sure enough, right after Thanksgiving and on Monday, Frank Reich is out.”
Carolina Panthers former HC says he is likely done with the NFL, his journey is over.
The players found out Frank Reich was fired on social media.
He deserved better, even if you were moving on.
Frank Reich has the second shortest tenure for a coach in NFL history. pic.twitter.com/1Qpd5uDVjJ
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) November 27, 2023
Schefter elaborated on the changing dynamics of coaching changes, emphasizing that owners no longer adhere to the traditional timeline of firing underperforming coaches after Thanksgiving.
“The timelines on these coaching moves have begun to be blurred more so than ever before,” he said. “Teams that are underachieving, underperforming, not winning games – their coaches are in jeopardy.”
McAfee expressed his astonishment at Schefter’s prediction, to which he responded firmly, “That’s what I believe … Seven to 10 (will be fired).”
"I believe we're gonna have anywhere between seven and ten Head Coaching changes this year..
I'll take the over" ~ @AdamSchefter #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/jhUqA2gNL2
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) November 27, 2023
Schefter pointed out that, on average, there are 6.8 head coaching changes per year, but this season could exceed expectations.
“Last year, there were five head coaching changes. This year, seven to 10, and I’ll take the over,” he added emphatically.
The firing of Reich is particularly noteworthy as it marks the second consecutive season that the Panthers have dismissed a coach midseason.
The decision followed Carolina’s 17-10 loss to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, leaving the Panthers with a dismal 1-10 record for the season.
WILD… Recently fired head coach Frank Reich will make about 25 THOUSAND DOLLARS a day from the #Panthers for the next 3 years to do NOTHING
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) November 27, 2023
Just imagine how things would probably be different if Reich got his way and the Panthers drafted C.J. Stroud instead of Bryce Young…
Just remember with the Frank Reich Firing, he wanted to draft CJ Stroud and the owner wanted to draft Bryce Young. pic.twitter.com/bFihtzvtaD
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) November 27, 2023
What do you make of Carolina’s decision to fire Reich?
Did they pull the trigger too soon? … Or was Reich and the Panthers on a fast-track to nowhere?
Who do you think they should hire to be the next head coach???