NFL expert expects Frank Reich back in NFL in one way or another

January 18, 2023 ndowd

One way or another, Frank Reich will be back in the NFL on a coaching staff for next season.

It may have hit the fan for him with the Indianapolis Colts, but do not be shocked if their former head coach Frank Reich is back on an NFL staff next season, either as an offensive coordinator, or quite possibly, leading another team of his own.

ESPN’s Chris Mortensen suggested that Reich would be a terrific fit as the next Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator to replace Joe Lombardi. Reich first made a name for himself as a coach on the Chargers staff when the franchise was located in San Diego. This helped him get the Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator gig, as well as allowed him to work with Philip Rivers.

There are six offensive coordinator jobs available, including Los Angeles. Should Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen land one of the five head-coaching vacancies, it would not be the least bit surprising for Reich to reunite with Nick Sirianni in Philadelphia. Sirianni was Reich’s offensive coordinator during the first half of his run with the Colts, so this would be a seamless transition.

If Frank Reich does not land a HC job, he is an obvious candidate for the @Chargers OC, and that’s been speculated in past month or so.
He’s been with @Chargers previously, he would bring head coach experience to staff and his integrity is unquestioned.

— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) January 17, 2023

Reich has also interviewed with the Carolina Panthers for their current head-coaching vacancy…

NFL expert believes Frank Reich will be on an NFL coaching staff next season

As of Tuesday afternoon, these are the six NFL offensive coordinator jobs that are open.

Los Angeles Chargers
Los Angeles Rams
New England Patriots
New York Jets
Tennessee Titans
Washington Commanders

Though Reich has only coached for the Chargers among those half-dozen teams, he did briefly play for the New York Jets in the mid-1990s. Given that New England is probably going with Bill O’Brien, we can probably cross the Patriots off the list for Reich’s services. Though the Rams feel like a long shot, the Commanders and Titans could be interesting, as could the upstart Jets, too.

Besides the obvious connections with the Chargers and potentially the Eagles, keep an eye on Ben Johnson potentially taking over in Charlotte. Dan Campbell may need a new offensive coordinator in Detroit, so that is another option in play if the Lions do not decide to promote from within obviously. Regardless, Reich is a solid retread option at head coach, as well as an elite coordinator.

Ultimately, Reich should feel a sense of relief to get out of the chaotic mess that is the Colts organization. It may have been the place where here first became a coach, but owner Jim Irsay has become more impulsive by the year. Though Reich was not without fault in the Colts turning into a dumpster fire, one would think he will prioritize going to a winning organization with his next job.

Reich may have been run out of town in Indianapolis, but the rest of the league sees value in him.

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