Coming off their sixth straight loss to start the season, the Carolina Panthers made a move on Monday—unofficially anointing offensive coordinator Thomas Brown as a full-time offensive coordinator.
As first reported by NFL Network insiders Mike Garafolo, Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, head coach Frank Reich has now handed over play-calling duties to the 37-year-old. Once a shared project, Brown will now have control of the sheet as the 0-6 Panthers settle into their bye week.
Here’s how the team’s fans reacted to the big news this afternoon:
Smart move by Frank Reich.
This buys everyone on the offensive staff some time.
Now let Thomas Brown get some offensive weapons who fit his playcalling style and scheme. https://t.co/6qhHD15Kr5
— Panthers Culture 🥷🏽 (@PanthersCulture) October 16, 2023
Told y’all bye week was the earliest and only logical spot that Frank could make the transition on playcalling.
— Unnecessary Bluntness Owner/Coach/QB (@DuncOnDemand) October 16, 2023
About damn time. Let’s see what TB has to offer. https://t.co/WOfAX9RRqQ
— SalesMan (Diehard Fan of Ass Teams) (@95KeepPounding) October 16, 2023
Good news indeed https://t.co/K4qIyv1ypw
— The Panther Fan (@pantherfan_10) October 16, 2023
If Thomas Brown starts cooking with this offense Frank Reich should be fired for negligence https://t.co/OmGsu2pNHJ
— ⚡️T-Time ⚡️ (@Ayo_TTime9) October 16, 2023
NOW , WE COOK👨🍳 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 https://t.co/WgG4TRfYjk pic.twitter.com/i1zMsIGg1w
— LilRocketNasa🚀 (@lilrocketnasa) October 16, 2023
Frank Reich announced he is handing over playcalling duties to Thomas Brown!!!
First W of the season pic.twitter.com/RbnEyTPepk
— Obi, the Panthers fan in Texas (@obipanthers) October 16, 2023
Frank Reich can now be more of a CEO. Game management and personnel rotations should all improve.
— The 4 Man Rush (@4ourmanrush) October 16, 2023
I think handing over the reigns to Thomas Brown will allow Frank Reich to focus more on the entire operation as a whole. Think it’s the right move and the right time. Gives Brown the bye week to iron things out and be ready for the Texans.
— Panthers On Tap (@PanthersOnTap) October 16, 2023
Something tells me the plan was always to hand over play-calling going into the bye week barring an undefeated record
— panthers fan in shambles (@ratt_mhule) October 16, 2023
I expect more creativity but the personnel is the personnel. 22 draft picks in 3 years but 3 being key contributors is the issue. This coaching staff won't be able to out scheme the amount of misses Fitt has been responsbile for. https://t.co/f5Suo3lNGP
— Jarrett (J-ŘõÇK) (@Jdcostin910) October 16, 2023
