Frank Reich may not be the first name that springs to mind when you think of Buffalo Bills legends, but his impact on the franchise is undeniable. Known primarily as Jim Kelly’s reliable backup, Reich etched his name into NFL lore during one unforgettable playoff game.

That epic showdown was on January 3, 1993. The Buffalo Bills faced off against the Houston Oilers in the Wild Card round at Orchard Park, and the Oilers were on a tear, leading the Bills 35-3 in the third quarter.

Things looked bleak for Buffalo, and doubters were loud and aplenty.

Enter Frank Reich. The unassuming backup quarterback led a charge that turned a seemingly insurmountable deficit into the greatest comeback in playoff history.

Reich threw four second-half touchdown passes, racking up 289 passing yards in the process. His chemistry with Andre Reed was on full display as they connected for three touchdowns, with Don Beebe grabbing the fourth to help the Bills seize the lead.

Even after the Oilers forced overtime with a field goal, Reich and the Bills kept their composure, setting up Steve Christie for a game-winning 32-yard field goal. The comeback was complete, an astonishing triumph etched in the annals of NFL history.

Reich’s journey didn’t end on the field. After hanging up his cleats, he dove into the coaching world in 2006 with the Indianapolis Colts, laying a foundation built on diverse experiences.

He moved through the coaching ranks, from Arizona to San Diego, where he secured his first coordinator role with the Chargers. Reich’s offensive prowess shone brightest during his stint with the Philadelphia Eagles from 2016 to 2017, a tenure crowned with success thanks to his work with quarterbacks Carson Wentz and Nick Foles.

This excellence earned him the head coaching role with the Colts from 2018 to 2022, steering them to two playoff appearances before parting ways midway through the 2022 season.

Reich next tried his hand with the Carolina Panthers, who were fresh with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 draft, selecting Bryce Young. Unfortunately, the season spiraled, culminating in Reich’s exit before the year concluded. But with each setback comes a new opportunity.

Now, as reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Reich is poised to embark on a new chapter as the head coach of Stanford Cardinal. This role comes with a unique twist—it’s only set for one year, with mutual understanding of its short-term nature.

While such an arrangement might raise eyebrows, it positions Reich advantageously. It’s a stage to reaffirm his leadership mettle and potentially rekindle interest from NFL teams in search of a new head coach.

While working under the likes of Jim Irsay and David Tepper posed its challenges, Reich’s new tenure at Stanford could pave the way for a comeback, showcasing his coaching prowess at the collegiate level. Should he lead Stanford to success in the upcoming season, it might just open the door back to the NFL, where teams will be watching—and waiting.