As Bryce Young enters his fourth NFL season, he will be adjusting to a new offensive coordinator with the Carolina Panthers. Head coach Dave Canales announced on Tuesday that he will be handing over play-calling responsibilities to Brad Idzik, marking a significant change for both Young and the team.
Coaching Shift Aimed at Greater Continuity
At the NFL combine, Canales explained the decision to transfer play-calling duties.
This is something that all of us collectively have talked about as an organization. It was my idea to come up with this,
Canales stated.
… [Idzik’s] continuity with the system, his continuity with the players, being able to do that, I believe will be the best thing for us moving forward.
He also confirmed that Bryce Young was involved in discussions regarding the change, ensuring the quarterback remains informed.
Brad Idzik’s New Role and Experience
This offseason will mark Idzik’s first opportunity to call plays during the regular season for the Panthers, though he has been the team’s offensive coordinator since 2024. His coaching background includes experience as a position coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, bringing familiarity with NFL systems and player development to his current role.
Bryce Young’s Past Experiences with Multiple Play Callers
For Young, adapting to Idzik will be the latest in a series of transitions. Throughout his NFL career, he has worked with three other different play callers. As a rookie, head coach Frank Reich started the season calling plays, then handed off those duties to offensive coordinator Thomas Brown, only to retake them later before his firing.
Following Reich’s departure, Dave Canales took over as head coach and play-caller for the last two seasons. During that period, Young recorded his best season to date in 2025, leading the Panthers to a playoff appearance.
Looking Ahead for Bryce Young and the Panthers
The shift to a new play caller presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Bryce Young and Carolina’s offense. With Idzik’s established connection to the players and the system, the Panthers hope to build on recent successes while maintaining offensive stability. Young’s ability to adjust quickly to this new leadership could be pivotal as the Panthers aim for continued growth in the upcoming season.
