Panthers’ Frank Reich Announces Another Change at Play-Caller After Just Three Games

The switch comes a month after he previously handed the play-calling duties to offensive coordinator Thomas Brown.

Panthers coach Frank Reich is making a change to Carolina’s offensive play-calling duties once again.

In October, Reich entrusted the Panthers offensive play calling to offensive coordinator Thomas Brown after the franchise’s 0–6 start to the season with Reich calling plays. Following the Panthers’ Week 7 bye, Brown led the Carolina offense in a 15–13 victory against the Texans, before losing back-to-back games to the Colts and, most recently, the Bears in Week 10.

On Wednesday, Reich began the Panthers news conference by saying that he would resume the play calling duties for Carolina beginning with Sunday’s game against the Cowboys. Reich’s decision comes two days after he stated that he was “still evaluating” who would be in charge of calling plays in this week’s contest.

Carolina Panthers coach Frank Reich is taking back play-calling duties from offensive coordinator Thomas Brown after three games :: Brett Davis/USA Today Sports

With Brown calling plays offensively, Carolina averaged nearly 24 fewer passing yards, 23 rushing yards as well as five fewer points per game. Panthers quarterback Bryce Young, who has struggled mightily in his rookie season, recorded two touchdowns and three interceptions with Brown calling plays, compared to six touchdowns and four interceptions with Reich as the offensive play caller.

The Panthers (1–8) currently sit at the bottom of the NFC South and will face the Cowboys at 1 p.m. ET Sunday at Bank of America Stadium.