Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich was never able to put an exact date on when he’d eventually hand over the offensive play-calling duties to Thomas Brown. Well, he has now—Monday, Oct. 16, 2023.
According to NFL Network insiders Mike Garafolo, Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport this afternoon, Reich has made the decision to relinquish said duties to his first-year, 37-year-old offensive coordinator. The change, which Reich reportedly told his players about earlier today, comes off the team’s sixth consecutive loss to start the season.
#Panthers coach Frank Reich informed players today he has decided to hand over play-calling duties to OC Thomas Brown, sources tell me, @MikeGarafolo and @RapSheet.
Brown, 37, is highly regarded. Now, with Carolina 0-6, he’ll call the shots for No. 1 pick Bryce Young. pic.twitter.com/vNjFyfRKor
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 16, 2023
Despite a relatively encouraging showing against the Miami Dolphins in Week 6, the Panthers have struggled to move the ball all year. Behind No. 1 overall pick and rookie quarterback Bryce Young, the unit ranks 23rd in total offense (294.7 yards per game) and 23rd in passing offense (196.7 yards per game).
With the bye week set to begin for Carolina, Brown will now have some extra time to prepare for his first crack with the calls.
