CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich is handing over play-calling duties after a dismal 0-6 start to the season.
Ian Rapoport reported offensive coordinator Thomas Brown will now call plays as the Panthers focus on developing No. 1 draft pick Bryce Young. The Panthers started hot on Sunday, taking a quick 14-0 lead over the Miami Dolphins before losing 42-14. Reich confirmed the change during his news conference Monday afternoon.
"I'd like to think this was the best decision no matter what our record is," Reich said.
The 0-6 start is the worst for Carolina since 1998 when the team started 0-7. They're the only winless team left in the NFL after six weeks.
Rapoport described the Panthers' current situation as "interesting," citing that Reich simplified his offense to help Young get up to speed quickly. The 34-year-old Brown joined the Panthers' staff after spending three season with the Los Angeles Rams. This will be his first time calling plays in the NFL.
"There is nothing more important to this organization than the No. 1 overall pick playing like the No. 1 overall pick," Rapoport said Monday. "Hopefully for the Panthers, this will goa long way in getting Bryce Young to play the way they know he can play."
Young completed 23 of 38 passes for 217 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's loss. He was sacked four times. Through five games, he has 967 passing yards and six touchdowns to four interceptions.
Pressure is mounting for the Panthers to get rolling after the slow start. The team traded multiple draft picks, including its first-round selection in 2024, to move up to No. 1 overall in this year's draft.
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