As Bryce Young gears up for his fourth NFL season, he's set to work with yet another offensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers. Head coach Dave Canales announced that he will hand over play-calling duties to offensive coordinator Brad Idzik.
“This decision was a collective effort within the organization, and it was my idea,” Canales explained at the NFL Combine. He emphasized Idzik's familiarity with the system and the players, expressing confidence that this change is the best step forward.
Young has been kept informed about the transition to Idzik, who will be calling plays for the first time in the regular season with Carolina. Idzik, who joined the Panthers as offensive coordinator in 2024, previously served as a position coach with Tampa Bay.
For Young, Idzik will be the fourth offensive play-caller he’s worked with in the NFL. His rookie season saw head coach Frank Reich start with play-calling duties before passing them to offensive coordinator Thomas Brown. Reich eventually resumed the role before being let go.
Canales took over as head coach and play-caller for the past two seasons, during which Young enjoyed his best season in 2025, culminating in a playoff appearance.