History of Frank Reich in Timeline

Frank Reich is an American football coach and former NFL quarterback, currently serving as the offensive coordinator for the New York Jets. He had a 14-season playing career in the NFL. Reich is primarily known for his coaching career after his playing days.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

December 4, 1961: Frank Reich's Birth

On December 4, 1961, Frank Michael Reich was born. He would later become an American professional football coach and former quarterback in the NFL.

Others born on this day/year

1980: 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 Draft Jim Kelly

In 1983, the Buffalo Bills drafted Jim Kelly, who would later sign with the Bills in 1986, relegating Reich to a backup role.

November 10, 1984: Comeback Against Miami Hurricanes

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

1985: Drafted by Buffalo Bills

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

1986: Kelly Signs with Bills

In 1986, Jim Kelly signed with the Buffalo Bills, relegating Reich to a backup role.

1989: First Start and Victory

In 1989, Frank Reich got his first start for the Buffalo Bills when Jim Kelly was injured. Reich led the Bills to two straight victories, including a 23–20 victory over the Los Angeles Rams.

1990: Key Wins for the Bills

In 1990, Reich provided the Bills with two key wins when Kelly was injured again, helping clinch the AFC East title and home field advantage.

1992: Reich Takes Over for Injured Kelly

In 1992, during the final game of the regular season, Kelly suffered strained ligaments, leading to Reich taking over as the starter for the wild card game.

1992: 1992-93 NFL Playoff Comeback

In the 1992–93 NFL playoffs, Reich led the Buffalo Bills to the NFL's largest postseason comeback.

January 3, 1993: Comeback Victory Against Oilers

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

January 1993: Comeback Against Houston Oilers

In January 1993, Reich led the Buffalo Bills to a comeback against the Houston Oilers. They overcame a 32-point deficit.

1993: One More Comeback Victory

Late in the 1993 NFL season, 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: Signed by New York Jets

In 1996, Frank Reich was signed by the New York Jets, where he started seven games.

1997: Signed with Detroit Lions

In 1997, Frank Reich signed with the Detroit Lions, reuniting him with his coach at Maryland, Bobby Ross. He appeared in six games in relief during the year.

1998: Final Season and Retirement

In 1998, Frank Reich appeared in six games, including two starts, before retiring following the season.

2003: President of RTS' Charlotte campus

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

2006: Coaching Intern

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

2006: End of Term as President of RTS' Charlotte campus

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

2007: Coaching Intern

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

2008: Assistant Coaching Positions

From 2008 to 2017, Frank Reich held assistant coaching positions in the NFL.

2008: Offensive Coaching Staff Assistant

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

2011: Dismissal from Colts

In 2011, Frank Reich was dismissed from his position as wide receivers coach for the Indianapolis Colts after the entire coaching staff was fired.

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

After a 1-5 start, Reich led the Colts to a 10-6 record. Indianapolis reached their first postseason appearance since 2014.

2014: Promoted to Offensive Coordinator

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

2014: Called Greatest Backup QB in NFL History

In 2014, Pro Football Hall of Fame Executive Bill Polian called Frank Reich "the greatest backup quarterback in NFL history."

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

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

2017: Super Bowl LII Win

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

February 11, 2018: Named Head Coach of Colts

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

2018: Head Coach of Indianapolis Colts

From 2018 to 2022, Frank Reich served as the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, guiding the team to two playoff appearances.

2019: Quarterback Instability Begins

Following Andrew Luck's retirement ahead of the 2019 season, Reich's tenure with the Indianapolis Colts became noted for quarterback instability, with the team starting different quarterbacks each year from 2019 to 2022.

2020: Quarterback Instability Begins

2020: Playoff Berth and Rivers Retirement

In 2020, Frank Reich guided the Colts to a playoff berth. Philip Rivers retired after the season.

2021: Quarterback Instability Begins

2021: Wentz Fades and Playoff Elimination

In 2021, despite a strong start with Carson Wentz, the Colts lost their final two games, including a loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, and were eliminated from the playoffs.

December 17, 2022: Vikings Overcome Colts

On December 17, 2022, the Minnesota Vikings staged a 33-point comeback against the Colts, after Reich had been fired, surpassing the Bills' comeback against the Houston Oilers in January 1993.