New Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich speaks during his introductory press conference at Bank of America Stadium on Tuesday, January 31, 2023.
jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
A day after hiring former head coach Jim Caldwell as a senior assistant, the Panthers hired two more coaches Wednesday as Frank Reich continues to build his staff.
Former Colts play-caller Parks Frazier is joining the team as its passing game coordinator. Frazier, 31, joined Reich in Indianapolis in 2018, starting as an assistant before taking on quality control and assistant quarterback responsibilities. Frazier called plays for Colts interim coach Jeff Saturday after Reich was fired this season.
The Panthers are also expected to hire former Rams defensive backs coach Jonathan Cooley as their cornerbacks coach, according to two league sources. Cooley and Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero coached together in Los Angeles for multiple seasons.
With these hires, Reich has added seven new coaches to his staff while retaining special teams coordinator Chris Tabor and offensive line coach James Campen. Cooley joins linebacker coach Peter Hansen and senior defensive assistant and former Panthers head coach Dom Capers.
Offensively, Frazier joins quarterbacks coach Josh McCown, running backs coach and assistant head coach Duce Staley and Caldwell, who will coach offense, defense and special teams. Reich has yet to name an offensive coordinator, but that could change soon.
On Thursday, the team is expected to have a second interview with Los Angeles Rams assistant head coach/tight ends coach Thomas Brown for its offensive coordinator job. Brown is scheduled to fly into Charlotte on Thursday following an interview with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the same position.
Along with offensive coordinator, the Panthers have yet to name a wide receivers coach, tight ends coach, safeties coach, and a defensive line coach.
Mike Kaye contributed on this report
Hailing from Minnesota, Ellis L. Williams joined the Observer in October 2021 to cover the Carolina Panthers. Prior, he spent two years reporting on the Browns for Cleveland.com/the Plain Dealer. Having escaped cold winters, he’s thrilled to consume football, hoops, music and movies within the Queen City.