Frank Reich's journey in professional football began when he was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the third round of the 1985 NFL Draft. As a quarterback, Reich spent the majority of his playing career with the Bills, serving primarily as a backup to Hall of Famer Jim Kelly. Despite not being the starting quarterback, Reich's time with the Bills was marked by several memorable performances, most notably during the 1992 NFL playoffs.
One of Reich's most famous moments came during the 1992 AFC Wild Card game against the Houston Oilers. With the Bills trailing 35-3 early in the third quarter, Reich led the team to an incredible comeback, ultimately winning the game 41-38 in overtime. This game remains the largest comeback in NFL history and is often referred to as "The Comeback." Reich's leadership and poise under pressure during this game cemented his place in NFL lore.
After his tenure with the Bills, Reich went on to play for the Carolina Panthers, New York Jets, and Detroit Lions. His playing career concluded after the 1998 season, having spent 14 seasons in the NFL. Throughout his career, Reich was known for his intelligence, leadership, and ability to perform in high-pressure situations, even when he was not the starting quarterback.
Following his retirement as a player, Reich transitioned into coaching. He began his coaching career with the Indianapolis Colts in 2006 as an intern before moving on to various coaching roles with different teams. Reich served as an offensive assistant and quarterbacks coach for the Colts, Arizona Cardinals, and San Diego Chargers. His coaching career continued to progress, and he eventually became the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2016.
Reich's tenure with the Eagles was marked by success, as he played a crucial role in developing the team's offense. In the 2017 season, the Eagles won Super Bowl LII, defeating the New England Patriots. Reich's offensive strategies and ability to adapt to different quarterbacks were instrumental in the team's success, particularly after starting quarterback Carson Wentz was injured late in the season.
In 2018, Reich was hired as the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts. Under his leadership, the Colts made several playoff appearances, and Reich was praised for his ability to develop young talent and create a cohesive team environment. His coaching style emphasized adaptability and innovation, often tailoring game plans to the strengths of his players.
Throughout his coaching career, Reich has been recognized for his ability to mentor quarterbacks and develop effective offensive schemes.
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