Panthers' Reich handing play-calling duties to OC Brown
Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich is handing play-calling duties to offensive coordinator Thomas Brown, the head coach said Monday.
"It's always been part of the plan," Reich said, per ESPN's David Newton. "Something Thomas and I had discussed at the time that he was hired. I'm excited for this for Thomas, I'm excited for our team and our offense. ... We all have a lot of confidence in him."
The Panthers' offense has struggled through an 0-6 start, ranking 23rd in both yards (294.7) and points per game (18.7).
Brown and the team have a Week 7 bye to prepare and transition responsibilities before taking on the Houston Texans in Week 8.
The 37-year-old offensive coordinator spent 2011-19 coaching with various NCAA programs. Brown began his NFL coaching career as the Los Angeles Rams' running backs coach in 2020. He was promoted to assistant head coach for the 2021 and 2022 campaigns and joined the Panthers as their offensive coordinator ahead of this season.
No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young showed brief flashes under Reich's play-calling, but he's recorded a 63.2% completion rate while throwing for 967 yards, six touchdowns, and four interceptions. Young missed the Panthers' Week 3 contest with an ankle injury.