The Houston Texans‘ C.J. Stroud warmly recounts his long-standing relationship with Carolina Panthers‘ Bryce Young. Their friendship traces back to middle school and has now evolved alongside their professional journey. They were both selected as the top two NFL draft picks in 2023.
Now, the Texans are doing better than the Panthers this season. The Texans have 6-5 as their record meanwhile, the Panthers have 1-10 as their record. As the two teams prepare for their next matchup, the question arises, will the Panthers win their next matchup and at least reach the level of the Texans? As the former HC Frank Reich has been fired, the team’s performance will suggest if it benefited them.
The Panthers’ new direction, unpacking the dismissal of coach Frank Reich
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The two friends started out together with similar displays. Now, Bryce Young seems to be underperforming compared to his actual caliber. Stroud got the better of his coach while Young didn’t. Now, the Panthers have decided to part ways with head coach Frank Reich, a decision that has sparked widespread discussion and analysis. The NFL insider Ian Rapoport, through his platform on NFL GameDay Kickoff, delved into the reasons behind this unexpected dismissal. He also speculated on the future course of the Panthers.
From @NFLGameDay Kickoff: A look at why the #Panthers fired coach Frank Reich and what's next from here… pic.twitter.com/Jm3Mt4Ajw5
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 28, 2023
The decision is being seen as a pivotal moment for the franchise, raising questions about the team’s direction and strategy. Reich’s firing, coming amidst a season of fluctuating fortunes for the team, suggests a shift in the organizational mindset. He said, “A one-in-ten record obviously contributed to that grill.” He also mentioned that the reason behind the Panthers hiring such an expensive staff was to see development in the no. 1 draft pick, Bryce Young as they saw in C.J. Stroud.
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The team is now planning to hire a new coach which is better suited for Bryce to see his curve going upwards like it did for Stroud. The Panthers are now at a crossroads. They’re facing the challenge of finding a replacement who can realign the team’s trajectory. As the team needs a new coach, they might look at these 3 candidates.
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Top candidates to succeed Frank Reich
The Carolina Panthers are exploring options for their next head coach after firing Reich. Ejiro Evero emerges as a strong contender as he is praised for his defensive acumen despite the team’s challenges. His promotion could mirror the Houston Texans’ strategy with Demeco Ryans and C.J. Stroud.
Another prospect, Frank Smith from the Miami Dolphins, brings an exciting offensive perspective reminiscent of the success seen in Philadelphia. Topping the list is Ben Johnson of the Detroit Lions. His transformative work with Jared Goff signals potential for remarkable development in the Panthers’ offense, particularly with talents like Bryce Young.
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This search marks a critical juncture for the Panthers, as they aim to revitalize their team strategy and performance under new leadership. What do you think, who will be the next HC for the Panthers? Let us know below.
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