Reich’s offense has been struggling, with poor blocking, a weak run game, and a receiving group lacking playmakers. The biggest issue has been the struggles of No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young. The quarterback has shown bad habits and little playmaking ability. The coach’s decision to hand off play-calling to Brown and then take it back didn’t help the inconsistent offense.
The Panthers have one of the lowest scoring (15.7; 29th) and total offenses (265.9; 30th) in 2023. Under Reich, the team averaged 92.6 rushing YPG (29th) and has only three rushing touchdowns (T-fewest).
Carolina has a -119 point margin in 2023, ranking 31st in the NFL, and has scored 15 or fewer points in seven games (T-second-most in NFL).
Given the investment the Panthers made in Young, including giving up a 2024 first-round pick, which currently sits at No. 1 overall, seeing progress from the young quarterback is crucial in the final six games. Ownership clearly didn’t believe the development would come with Reich running things. Now it’s on Brown and Caldwell to change the narrative down the stretch.
Reich, who was dismissed by the Indianapolis Colts after Week 9, 2022, became the third head coach in NFL history to be fired in back-to-back seasons – following Chip Kelly (Eagles and 49ers) and Ray Rhodes (Eagles and Packers).