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.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

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.

Others born on this day/year

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.