Panthers' Hurst: 'Too many voices' halted Young's development

Carolina Panthers tight end Hayden Hurst is blaming Bryce Young's disappointing rookie season on there being "too many voices" in the quarterback's ear.

"In my opinion, I think there were just too many opinions," Hurst said, according to Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer. "Kind of looking for the right answer from everybody - too much input - which sucks for Bryce. He had a lot of people in his ear telling him one thing. Cause when you come from a place like Alabama, (head coach Nick) Saban is king - what he says, goes."

He added: "A lot of people trying to, I guess, right the ship. And I think it just got to the point where there were just too many voices."

The Panthers hired a variety of offensive coaches last offseason. Former head coach Frank Reich rounded out his staff with quarterbacks coach Josh McCown, offensive coordinator Thomas Brown, senior assistant Jim Caldwell, and passing game coordinator Parks Frazier.

However, Carolina ranked last in points and yards per game this season. Young failed to live up to expectations, completing less than 60% of his throws with only 11 passing touchdowns and 16 turnovers.

The Panthers fired Reich after a 1-10 start. They also dismissed general manager Scott Fitterer on Monday. Carolina is currently in the process of replacing Reich and Fitterer.

"It's a great opportunity to start fresh," Hurst said. "New guys are going to come in here, new staff - it's another prove-it year for everybody in this locker room."

He added: "It'll be a good offseason for (Young) to get back to his roots. The kid won a Heisman trophy, he's pretty good. He's the first overall pick, he's pretty good."

Hurst signed a three-year, $21.75-million contract with Carolina last March. He missed the final eight games of the campaign due to a concussion. Overall, he totaled 184 yards on 18 receptions in nine contests.