Thomas Brown Reacts to Reich Taking Back the Offense

Carolina's offensive coordinator explains his feelings on taking a backseat.

Thomas Brown came to Carolina with the promise that he would one day call the shots on offense for head coach Frank Reich. There was no set timeline for when that passing of the torch would take place but Reich knew that if would happen sooner rather than later. 

After an 0-6 start to the season, Reich felt making the transition during the bye week would be the best time to do so and would potentially help turn things around following a miserable month and a half.

The early returns were positive as the Panthers won the first game Brown called over the Houston Texans and it required the first-time NFL play-caller to push all the right buttons to drive 86 yards down the field over the final six minutes of the game to set up Eddy Pineiro for a game-winning field goal.

In the subsequent two weeks, Carolina's offense grew more stale and in many ways took a significant step back, including rookie quarterback Bryce Young. This prompted Reich to regain control of the play-calling duties which he announced to the media on Wednesday.

"This is not about Thomas. This is about me, it's about the team. I'm in the position I'm in because of years of being a successful offensive coordinator and play-caller. We have eight games left and I just want to give my attention and everything I can do to help the offense to take the next step. It'll still be collaborative. Thomas is still running the show as far as the offense and all the install meetings, gameplanning. He's still right at the center. He and I are working together like we've been all year. I trust Thomas more than anybody and he's helped me become a better coach and a better man. This isn't about that. This is about the team."

Although it was a small window of opportunity, it's one that Brown remains thankful for. He understands the big picture and is willing to take a backseat if it means getting this offense and this team heading in the right direction.

"The one thing a leader does not do is tuck his tail between his legs and find ways to run and hide from conflict or adversity. Stand tall, keeping chopping wood and you find ways to fix problems and help people. That's what it's about," Brown said. "The overall product offensively has not been good enough all year and as a competitor, that pisses me off. The reality is, we have to do a better job as coaches of coaching our players and putting our guys in better spots to have a better product on gameday. And from a player standpoint, when we have opportunities on gameday to make plays, we got to make them. 

"Not going to say it's something I necessarily saw coming. Also not going to say that I'm necessarily surprised by it. We live in a production business, a results-driven business and every decision is supposed to be focused on trying to find ways to help the football team win. He made the decision to give me an opportunity to be a play-caller. He also made the decision to take it back to having him be the play-caller. I have nothing else to do but respect that decision and continue to do a really good job moving forward of helping our football team and our players be in the best spot."

Reich Explains the Decision to Call the Plays Again

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