Career Timeline of Frank Reich: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Frank Reich, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Frank Reich is an American football coach, currently the interim head coach at Stanford University, and a former NFL quarterback. He played in the NFL for 14 seasons before transitioning to coaching. He has held head coaching positions with the Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers, showcasing his leadership and expertise in professional football.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

1980: Big 33 Football Classic

In 1980, Frank Reich played quarterback in the Big 33 Football Classic after his senior year of high school.

1983: Bills Draft Jim Kelly

In 1983, the Buffalo Bills drafted Jim Kelly, who would later become a Hall of Famer.

November 10, 1984: Comeback Against Miami Hurricanes

On November 10, 1984, Frank Reich led a significant comeback against the Miami Hurricanes, overcoming a 31–0 halftime deficit to win 42–40, which was the biggest comeback in NCAA history at the time.

1985: Drafted by Buffalo Bills

In 1985, Frank Reich was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the third round of the NFL draft.

1985: Selected in the NFL Draft

In 1985, Frank Reich was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the third round of the NFL draft.

1986: Kelly Joins the Bills

In 1986, Jim Kelly signed with the Buffalo Bills, leading to Reich becoming a backup quarterback.

1989: First Start and Victory

In 1989, Frank Reich got his first start for the Bills due to an injury to Jim Kelly. He led the Bills to two straight victories, including a 23-20 win over the Los Angeles Rams.

1990: Key Wins for the Bills

In 1990, Reich secured two key wins for the Bills, clinching them the AFC East title and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

1992: Led Bills to Historic Comeback

During the 1992-93 NFL playoffs, Reich led the Buffalo Bills to the NFL's largest postseason comeback, which was also the largest comeback in any game in NFL history at the time.

1992: Reich Takes Over After Kelly Injury

During the final game of the 1992 regular season, Kelly suffered strained ligaments, leading to Reich taking over for the game.

January 3, 1993: Historic Comeback Against the Oilers

On January 3, 1993, Reich led the Bills to a historic comeback victory against the Houston Oilers in a wild card game, overcoming a 35-3 deficit to win 41-38 in overtime.

January 1993: Historic Comeback in Playoffs

In January 1993, Frank Reich led the Bills to a historic comeback victory in the playoffs. It was the largest comeback in NFL history at the time.

1993: One More Comeback Victory

In 1993, Reich gave the Bills one more comeback victory late in the NFL season.

March 1995: Signed with Carolina Panthers

In March 1995, Frank Reich signed with the expansion Carolina Panthers to start off their first year.

1996: Signed with New York Jets

In 1996, Frank Reich signed with the New York Jets and started in seven games.

1997: Signed with Detroit Lions

In 1997, Frank Reich signed with the Detroit Lions and appeared in six games, all in relief.

1998: Retirement from NFL

In 1998, Frank Reich appeared in six games for the Detroit Lions, and retired following the season.

2003: President of RTS' Charlotte campus

In 2003, Frank Reich served as president of RTS' Charlotte campus, and he held the position until 2006.

2006: Coaching Intern for the Colts

From 2006 to 2007, Frank Reich served as a coaching intern for the Indianapolis Colts.

2006: End of presidency at RTS' Charlotte campus

In 2006, Frank Reich's tenure as president of RTS' Charlotte campus concluded, a position he had held since 2003.

2007: Coaching Intern for the Colts

From 2006 to 2007, Frank Reich served as a coaching intern for the Indianapolis Colts.

2008: Assistant Coaching Positions

In 2008, Frank Reich began holding assistant coaching positions.

2008: Offensive Coaching Staff Assistant for the Colts

In 2008, Frank Reich served as an offensive coaching staff assistant for the Indianapolis Colts.

2011: Dismissal from Colts Coaching Staff

In 2011, Frank Reich was dismissed from his position as wide receivers coach for the Colts after the entire coaching staff was fired following a 2-14 season.

December 31, 2012: Dismissal from Arizona Cardinals

On December 31, 2012, Frank Reich was dismissed from his position as wide receivers coach for the Arizona Cardinals, along with other offensive coaches.

2013: Hired by San Diego Chargers

In 2013, Frank Reich was hired by the San Diego Chargers.

2014: Playoff Appearance with Colts

After a 1-5 start, Reich led the Colts to a 10-6 record, making the playoffs in 2014 for the first time since their poor start.

2014: Promoted to Offensive Coordinator

In 2014, Frank Reich was promoted to offensive coordinator for the San Diego Chargers.

January 4, 2016: Fired as Offensive Coordinator

On January 4, 2016, Frank Reich was fired from his position as offensive coordinator for the San Diego Chargers.

January 20, 2016: Hired as Offensive Coordinator for Eagles

On January 20, 2016, Frank Reich was hired as the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles.

2017: Super Bowl LII Victory

In 2017, Reich was the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles when they won Super Bowl LII.

February 11, 2018: Named Head Coach of the Colts

On February 11, 2018, Frank Reich was named the new head coach of the Indianapolis Colts.

2018: Head Coach of the Colts

In 2018, Frank Reich became the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts.

2020: Playoff Berth with Colts

In 2020, Frank Reich guided the Colts to a playoff berth, but Philip Rivers' retirement led to the team searching for another starting quarterback.

2022: End of Colts Head Coaching Stint

In 2022, Frank Reich's tenure as the head coach of the Colts came to an end.

2022: Fired by the Colts

In 2022, following a disappointing 3–5–1 start to the season, Frank Reich was fired as the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts on November 7th.

January 26, 2023: Hired as Head Coach of the Panthers

On January 26, 2023, Frank Reich was hired as the head coach of the Carolina Panthers.

November 14, 2023: Joe Reich promoted to Head Athletic Director

On November 14, 2023, Frank Reich's brother, Joe, was promoted to Head Athletic Director at Wingate, after serving as the head coach from 2001.

2023: Head Coach of the Panthers

In 2023, Frank Reich became the head coach of the Carolina Panthers before being fired before the end of the season.

March 31, 2025: Hired as Interim Head Coach at Stanford University

On March 31, 2025, Frank Reich was hired as the interim head coach at Stanford University, replacing Troy Taylor.

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