Current Colts Look Back on Former Head Coach Frank Reich
The Indianapolis Colts face former head coach Frank Reich and the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.
Carolina Panthers coach Frank Reich has been named head coach of the Indianapolis Colts to begin the 2022 season.
He did not complete his fifth year with the Colts as he was fired that year.
The rebuilding Panthers got their first win last week against the Houston Texans, and the Colts travel to Charlotte on Sunday to host their former coach and the Panthers.
Several members of the current Colts staff have fond memories of Reich and his time in Indianapolis.
“Yeah, it’s going to be a lot of fun coaching Frank (Reich),” Jonathan Taylor said in a press release this week.
“Sure, we have work to do, but you’re talking about a great guy.
That guy is Coach Frank.”
Taylor rushed for nearly 3,500 yards in two seasons under Reich and was one of the best running backs in the NFL.
Reich focused on the offensive side of the ball, but was the team’s overall leader.
“Oh, first impressions,” linebacker Zaire Franklin said this week.
“He knew he was a real guy, very down to earth, very competitive, a Pennsylvanian like me, a Big-33 grad like me. I think that’s what we bonded over early on.
“To be honest, I think she’s accomplished everything I thought she would.”
Franklin and his defense will be tasked with stopping rookie Bryce Young and Reich’s offense.
“Knowing Frank, I know he’s competitive, so I expect some wrinkles,” Franklin said.
“Of course Bryce has the ability.
Great young player – quick release, seems to understand what’s going on.
Obviously, they got a veteran receiver in (Adam) Thielen.
He performs throughout the year.
“We have a lot of work to do, but this is a big challenge for us.”
Manager Shane Steichen and Reich crossed paths early in their careers.
Steichen was the offensive line coach of the San Diego Chargers in 2014 and 2015, and Reich was their offensive coordinator.
“Yeah, I have a lot of respect for Frank,” Steichen said this week.
“He’s a very intelligent football coach who understands the game, but even better than that is the person: the two years I spent with him in San Diego, the wisdom he brings as a former player, the leadership qualities he brings.
“I have a lot of respect for him and I’m looking forward to meeting him on Sunday.”
The Huskies face the Panthers on Sunday at 4:05 p.m. EST on CBS.
ESPN Gamecast gives the Colts a 60% chance to go 4-5 on the season.
