NFL execs think Frank Reich was 2023's best HC hire

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The early bird gets the worm, and it really feels like the Carolina Panthers got theirs.

Owner David Tepper and company were the first of five braintrusts in 2023 to fill their team’s head-coaching vacancy—getting their pick of the litter before the Houston Texans, Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts or Arizona Cardinals made a move. And according to a handful of NFL executives, they were better off for it.

Jeff Howe of The Athletic polled nine people—a group that included general managers, personnel executives, head coaches and assistant coaches—on what they thought was the best head-coaching hire of the early offseason. 5.5 (yes, 5.5 because one person split their vote) chose Frank Reich.

Here are some of the quotes from the voters, courtesy of Howe:

“I like Frank a lot,” an assistant coach said. “He needs time to get it going, but I think he is a good hire. For what they need, he will do a very good job.”

“I think Frank is a great match with Fitterer,” an executive said.

“I honestly like Frank Reich as a coach,” a second assistant coach said. “I do think he’s good, and he hired a good staff. Maybe a Doug Pederson 2.0?”

Carolina’s choice in Reich already seems to be paying off, as he’s helped assemble what is easily the most impressive and diverse coaching staff in franchise history. Heck, he was even able to bring in defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and senior assistant Jim Caldwell, both of whom also interviewed for the Panthers’ top gig.

But now, Reich and his cast must find themselves a starting quarterback. Because if they can’t—all of this excitement, anticipation and the 5.5 votes may not mean much if they don’t have legitimate leader under center.

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