C.J. Stroud '100 percent' played a part in Panthers owner David Tepper firing Frank Reich

As the dust settles on what led to Frank Reich's firing, one thing remains clear — rookie quarterbacks played a part in the entire debacle.  For weeks, Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper said he wanted to see progress with Bryce Young. it never came. Meanwhile, Houston Texans rookie C.J. Stroud was tearing up the NFL. […]

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Oct 29, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) with Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) after the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Feature image via Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

As the dust settles on what led to Frank Reich's firing, one thing remains clear — rookie quarterbacks played a part in the entire debacle. 

For weeks, Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper said he wanted to see progress with Bryce Young. it never came. Meanwhile, Houston Texans rookie C.J. Stroud was tearing up the NFL. Tepper didn't like that. As a result, Stroud's success appears to be one of the final straws that broke the Reich 11-game regime. 

“Stroud’s early success 100 percent played into Tepper’s decision to fire (head coach) Frank Reich. We all felt the pressure and frustrations,” a Panthers source shared over the phone this week to Dianna Russini of The Athletic. “It’s hard to step in and carry the weight of a franchise, and Bryce has it harder than most here.”

Young and his struggles appear to be the main reason the Panthers are again looking for a new head coach. 

Reports indicate the Panthers will go with an offensive-minded coach for the second coaching search cycle in a row. 

Tepper is hoping that at least this time around, the outcome is a little different. But to get to that point stops and starts with Young and his ability to develop. Working in the No. 1 picks favor is an unshaken confidence in his abilities from Tepper. 

"We are totally confident in that pick," Tepper said regarding selecting Young. "I think the people that made that pick first would be totally confident in that."