Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Thomas Brown, a former assistant under Sean McVay on the Los Angeles Rams, is being handed the play-calling duties ahead of the team’s bye in Week 7. With Brown set to call plays for the first time in his career, McVay discussed his time working with Brown and when he knew he’d evolve into a play caller in the NFL.
“I think it’s just his everyday approach,” McVay said. “He had great experience when we first got connected, but I remember watching Thomas when we played against each other in high school. He was one of the ultimate competitors. He’s always trying to just continue to perfect his craft, whether that was when he was playing or whether that’s as a coach and he did such a great job of owning whatever role it was, whether it was a running back or the tight end coach. But there was always an interest in continuing to absorb a bunch of different material where, hey, I want to be able to make sure that, hey, I’m doing my job right now, but I’m also setting myself up for the opportunities that I think he knew were ahead. And that’s been a consistent thing with him. I don’t know that there’s one moment that steps out. I think the biggest compliment I can give him is the consistency at which he approached every day and how that built towards him interviewing the way that he did with Coach (Panthers Head Coach) (Frank) Reich. I remember when I was speaking with him about it, I think this was something that he envisioned inevitably happening and I know he’ll attack it and do a really good job being able to collaborate with the rest of the coaching staff and figuring out how to put your guy’s players in the best positions, but I’m not at all surprised and looking forward to him doing a great job attacking that opportunity.”
When the Panthers hired Frank Reich as their new head coach in the offseason, he made it clear that Brown would eventually call plays as the new offensive coordinator. And with the Panthers logging an 0-6 record through the first six weeks with rookie quarterback Bryce Young, Brown will get a chance during the bye week to implement his play calling.
Brown joined McVay’s coaching staff back in 2020, becoming the Rams’ new running backs coach. Along with holding the title of running backs coach and getting experience as a tight ends coach, Brown would be promoted to assistant head coach in 2021.
With buzz growing around Brown in recent years, the Panthers hired him to become their offensive coordinator in the offseason. The 37-year-old assistant would have an opportunity to learn under Reich and then get a chance to work directly with Young, who the team at No. 1 overall in this year’s draft.
Throughout his time with the Rams, McVay always raved about his work ethic and his ability to get the most out of the players he was coaching. It’s safe to say McVay will be rooting for Brown as he’ll be taking on the responsibility of calling plays for the Panthers.
