History of Frank Reich in Timeline
Frank Reich is a former NFL quarterback and coach. He played 14 seasons in the NFL, notably as a backup known for his resilience and leadership. After his playing career, Reich transitioned into coaching, holding positions as an assistant and eventually becoming a head coach for the Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers. His coaching career has been marked by offensive innovation, but also inconsistency, leading to his dismissal from both head coaching roles.
1953: Frank Reich Sr. Played at Penn State
From 1953 to 1955, Frank Reich's father, Frank Sr., played for the Penn State Nittany Lions as a center and linebacker.
1955: Frank Reich Sr. Played at Penn State
From 1953 to 1955, Frank Reich's father, Frank Sr., played for the Penn State Nittany Lions as a center and linebacker.
1956: Frank Reich Sr. Drafted by Eagles
In 1956, Frank Reich's father, Frank Sr., was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles.
December 4, 1961: Frank Reich Born
On December 4, 1961, Frank Michael Reich was born. He later became a professional football player and coach in the NFL.
1980: Played in Big 33 Football Classic
In 1980, Frank Reich played quarterback in the Big 33 Football Classic following his senior year of high school.
1983: Bills Drafted Jim Kelly
In 1983, the Buffalo Bills drafted Jim Kelly, who would later become a Hall of Famer.
November 10, 1984: Led Comeback Against Miami
On November 10, 1984, Frank Reich led a historic comeback against the Miami Hurricanes, overcoming a 31-0 halftime deficit to win 42-40.
1985: Drafted by Buffalo Bills
In 1985, Frank Reich was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the third round of the NFL draft.
1986: Jim Kelly Signed with Bills
In 1986, Jim Kelly signed with the Buffalo Bills, leading to Reich's relegation to a backup role.
1989: First Start in NFL
In 1989, Frank Reich got his first start in the NFL, leading the Bills to two straight victories after Jim Kelly's injury.
1990: Key Wins for Bills
In 1990, Frank Reich provided the Bills with two key wins, clinching them the AFC East title and home field advantage.
1992: Reich Took Over for Injured Kelly
During the final game of the 1992 regular season, Reich took over for an injured Jim Kelly.
1992: Led Bills to Historic Comeback
In 1992, Frank Reich led the Buffalo Bills to the NFL's largest postseason comeback during the 1992-93 NFL playoffs.
1992: Frank Reich Sr. Retired
In 1992, Frank Reich's father, Frank Reich Sr., retired as a teacher and football coach.
January 3, 1993: Led Bills to Historic Comeback
On January 3, 1993, Frank Reich led the Buffalo Bills to a historic 32-point comeback victory against the Houston Oilers in the Wild Card game.
1993: Gave Bills One More Comeback Victory
Late in the 1993 NFL season, Frank Reich gave the Bills one more comeback victory.
March 1995: Signed with Carolina Panthers
In March 1995, Frank Reich signed with the expansion Carolina Panthers to start off their first year.
1996: Started for New York Jets
In 1996, Frank Reich started for seven games with the New York Jets.
1997: Signed with Detroit Lions
In 1997, Frank Reich signed with the Detroit Lions, reuniting him with his coach at Maryland, Bobby Ross.
1998: Retired From NFL
Following the 1998 NFL season, Frank Reich retired from professional football.
2001: Joe Reich Hired as Head Coach
In 2001, Frank Reich's brother, Joe, became the head coach at Wingate.
2003: President of RTS
In 2003, Frank Reich became the president of the Charlotte campus of Reformed Theological Seminary (RTS).
2006: Coaching Intern for Colts
From 2006 to 2007, Frank Reich was a coaching intern for the Indianapolis Colts.
2006: End of RTS Presidency
In 2006, Frank Reich concluded his tenure as president of the Charlotte campus of Reformed Theological Seminary (RTS).
2007: Coaching Intern for Colts
From 2006 to 2007, Frank Reich was a coaching intern for the Indianapolis Colts.
2008: Started NFL Coaching Career
In 2008, Frank Reich began his NFL coaching career, holding assistant positions.
2008: Offensive Coaching Staff Assistant
In 2008, Frank Reich served as an offensive coaching staff assistant for the Colts.
2011: Dismissed as Wide Receivers Coach
In 2011, Frank Reich was dismissed as wide receivers coach for the Colts after a 2-14 season.
December 31, 2012: Dismissed by Cardinals
On December 31, 2012, Frank Reich was dismissed as the wide receivers coach for the Arizona Cardinals.
2013: Hired by San Diego Chargers
In 2013, Frank Reich was hired by the San Diego Chargers.
2014: Called "Greatest Backup QB in NFL History"
In 2014, Bill Polian called Frank Reich "the greatest backup quarterback in NFL history."
2014: Colts Missed Playoffs After 1-5 Start
In 2014, the Colts made the playoffs after a 1-5 start, reaching their first postseason appearance since 2014.
January 4, 2016: Fired as Chargers Offensive Coordinator
On January 4, 2016, Frank Reich was fired from his position as offensive coordinator for the Chargers.
January 20, 2016: Hired as Eagles Offensive Coordinator
On January 20, 2016, Frank Reich was hired as the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles.
2017: Won Super Bowl LII
In 2017, Frank Reich won Super Bowl LII with the Philadelphia Eagles.
February 11, 2018: Named Colts Head Coach
On February 11, 2018, Frank Reich was named the new head coach of the Indianapolis Colts.
2018: Hired as Colts Head Coach
In 2018, Frank Reich became the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts.
2019: Quarterback Instability with Colts
Following Andrew Luck's retirement in 2019, Frank Reich's tenure with the Indianapolis Colts was marked by quarterback instability.
2020: Quarterback Instability with Colts
Following Andrew Luck's retirement in 2019, Frank Reich's tenure with the Indianapolis Colts was marked by quarterback instability.
2020: Playoff Berth with Colts
In 2020, Frank Reich guided the Colts to a playoff berth, but Philip Rivers retired after the season.
2021: Quarterback Instability with Colts
Following Andrew Luck's retirement in 2019, Frank Reich's tenure with the Indianapolis Colts was marked by quarterback instability.
2021: Wentz Faded at Conclusion of Season
For the 2021 season, the Colts traded for Carson Wentz, who led the team to a 9-6 record but faded at the conclusion of the season, missing the playoffs.
December 17, 2022: Vikings Break Bills' Comeback Record
On December 17, 2022, the Minnesota Vikings staged a 33-point comeback against the Indianapolis Colts, surpassing the Bills' previous record comeback.
2022: Quarterback Instability with Colts
Following Andrew Luck's retirement in 2019, Frank Reich's tenure with the Indianapolis Colts was marked by quarterback instability.
2022: Fired as Colts Head Coach
Following a 3-5-1 start to the 2022 season, Frank Reich was fired as the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts on November 7.
2022: Left Colts Head Coaching Position
In 2022, Frank Reich's tenure as head coach of the Indianapolis Colts came to an end.
January 26, 2023: Hired as Panthers Head Coach
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.
2023: Fired as Panthers Head Coach
In 2023, Frank Reich was fired as the head coach of the Carolina Panthers before the end of the season.
