Adam Thielen didn’t plan to visit the Carolina Panthers initially. He wanted to join a club he believed had a chance to win a championship. “It was because of Coach [Frank Reich], he said to Pat McAfee, “that was the reason I went there.” Thielen continued, “I’ve had respect for him for a long time from afar…It was very clear they have the plan to win and win now.”

We’ve heard for years Carolina isn’t a destination for free agents. They say the market isn’t big enough to attract players with lucrative sponsorship opportunities. They say Charlotte isn’t a destination spot like Miami, LA, or New York. The team hasn’t been a consistent winner but a consistent loser over the past five years. Many will argue that none of these characteristics attract free agents, particularly those willing to make team-friendly deals in hopes of cementing their legacy with a Super Bowl. Frankly, Carolina has lacked credibility in the football world. So it’s only fitting that Frank brings football credibility to the Carolinas!

Reich’s credibility has done more than court free agents, however. His credibility and preparedness landed him the head-coaching job in Carolina, lent towards assembling one of the most decorated coaching staffs in the league, and provided the organization the confidence to trade up to the number one spot in the NFL Draft. It’s more than just his experience or nostalgia that has inspired excitement among fans. Reich’s professionalism at every turn provides confidence to a fanbase that has languished in uncertainty for years.

Before Reich took the podium in his introductory press conference, he showcased a humble professionalism that, in retrospect, former Matt Rhule lacked. After shaking owner David Tepper's hand, he b-lined it directly towards several Panthers players sitting on the front row. Reich acknowledged each one before walking to the stage. The players were on his mind from the beginning and remained a central part of his message about what wins football games. Reich was confident but never made it about himself. He was steadfast in his belief that it was the coaches’ responsibility to be prepared and make every effort to put players in the best place to succeed, but he also emphasized, “This is a players' game. There’s one thing I know, being in this business as a player and a coach for 30 years, this is a players' game.”

David Tepper wanted the best coaches, and Reich went out and got them. There are a combined ten Super Bowl rings and 206 years of coaching experience among the Panthers' coaching staff, in what many believe to be the most accomplished coaching staff in the league. In addition, Reich landed several coaches who have been in the recent running for head-coaching positions, even Carolina’s, ironically. Jim Caldwell, who turned down interviews for offensive coordinator positions and even interviewed for Carolina’s head-coaching position, joined Reich’s staff as a senior offensive assistant. When asked what attracted him to Carolina outside of the relationship with Reich, Caldwell stated that their relationship “was one of the main reasons” he felt this was the right spot for him. Reich’s credibility didn’t just bring in hot names; it brought football guys. I mean guys who played in the league, coached in the league, and just know ball. It’s a night and day difference compared to Matt Rhule’s staff.

Shortly after assembling the staff, Carolina traded from the #9 pick to #1 overall. The deal sent two first- and two second-round selections and DJ Moore to the Chicago Bears for the chance to draft a franchise rookie quarterback. Carolina has desperately been searching for a long-term answer since parting ways with Cam Newton. Unfortunately, their efforts led by Matt Rhule often felt desperate and failed. Whether it was past half-measures or just a simple uncertainty surrounding the Rhule era, Carolina felt confident enough in Reich after just a few short weeks to allow him to pick his quarterback, despite the costs.

Sure, there may be a degree of optimism here that stems from finally getting an offensive-minded head coach and having a free-agency period that pursued offensive talent like, Miles Sanders, Hayden Hurst, Adam Thielen, and DJ Chark. But this doesn’t seem like blind optimism. Instead, it feels like that “infectious” excitement Reich believes that championship habits and a relentless pursuit of excellence create. Charlotte is becoming a football city, and it is largely come because of Frank Riech’s credibility.

By Tony Dunn @Cat_Chroncles

Check out the C3 Panthers Podcast for the latest Panthers news and opinions from the fan perspective.

Interested in having your fan voice heard? Contact us about writing for CarolinaCatChronicles.com