Panthers coach Frank Reich reclaims play-calling duties from OC

Panthers head coach Frank Reich has reclaimed the primary play-calling duties he handed to offensive coordinator Thomas Brown in October.

Reich said Wednesday returning to the role has nothing to do with his job status in Carolina (1-8) amid speculation the first-year Panthers coach could be fighting for his job.

"I have not been given any ultimatum," Reich said of his job status factoring into the reverse of his play-calling decision last month. "This is about, if I have something to give to the team, then I need to give it. Thomas and I can do it together."

Reich reviewed the play-calling role and decided to give Brown the reins the day after the Panthers fell to 0-6 with a 42-21 loss to the Miami Dolphins.

Following a bye week and with Brown directing the offense, Carolina totaled three offensive touchdowns with 41 points combined in three games, beating the Texans (15-13) and losing to the Colts (27-13) and Bears (16-13).

"Obviously I was doing it earlier and didn't have the success to the point that this has nothing to do with Thomas," Reich said.

Rookie No. 1 draft pick Bryce Young's development remains a focus of the offensive staff and Reich. He has eight touchdowns and seven interceptions in eight games.

Reich said Young continues to make "good plays in the clutch to keep us in it," including last Thursday at Chicago when he converted two fourth downs in a final drive comeback bid.

Young's next task is holding his own on Sunday against the visiting Dallas Cowboys (6-3), who have 26 sacks and 10 interceptions with three pick-sixes this season.