Does Luke Kuechly Have a Future on the Panthers' Coaching Staff?
Panthers legend Luke Kuechly stopped by practice today to check in on how things are going during the early stages of minicamp and also to say hello to the players and to chat with head coach Frank Reich.
Kuechly stops by practice often and has done so since he hung up his cleats following the 2019 season. His presence at practice/in the building is important because it gives those on the roster a chance to learn from one of the best linebackers to ever play the game.
"It's a big deal," Reich said about Kuechly dropping in. "I was over there talking to him just for a minute after practice. I don't know Luke that well. I've met him once or twice very briefly and as I'm sitting there talking to him, I'm kind of wanting to talk to him for a few minutes, and then all of a sudden the defensive players are coming over to talk to him and I just stepped out of the way. He's earned that kind of respect around here. We're excited that he would come around. Great pro, great person as I've gotten to know him and just try to pick his brain a little bit. I mean, this guy's unique. Hopefully, he'll be around more and more."
After his decision to retire from playing, Kuechly took a year off before rejoining the organization as a pro scout. He spent one season in that role and decided he wanted to spend time with his family and friends, leading to his resignation in May of 2021. Last June, Kuechly found himself in a new role as a part of the Panthers' radio broadcasting team. At some point, Frank Reich hopes he makes his way onto the team's coaching staff.
"I've talked to him [about coaching]," Reich said. "I kind of broached that with him a few months ago actually. I don't think he was ready for that conversation yet, but I just tried to maybe plant that seed a little bit. I don't know if he'll ever do it but certainly we would welcome it if he would."
In eight seasons with the Panthers, Kuechly totaled 1,092 tackles, 75 tackles for loss, 31 QB hits, 12.5 sacks, 18 interceptions, and nine fumble recoveries.
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