Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young praised new play caller Brad Idzik.
Brad Idzik will be calling offensive plays for the Carolina Panthers this season.
Idzik has been the Panthers' OC for the past few seasons, but 2026 will be the first year he calls plays.
Carolina QB Bryce Young has a close relationship with Idzik, so it's not surprising to hear Young praise Idzik.
"He's definitely been aggressive, which is huge for us," Young said about Idzik and his ability to guide the QB and the game, via ESPN. "That's a part of the offense we can build upon and we can expand in. We have the guys -- I have all the faith in the world in our guys out there. So giving them opportunities down the field; try to be more explosive, more dynamic."
Panthers head coach Dave Canales called plays in 2024 and 2025. He decided to give that title to Idzik after last season.
Young finished the 2025 season with 3,011 passing yards, 23 passing touchdowns, 11 interceptions, 216 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. He led the Panthers to the playoffs for the first time since the 2017 campaign.
The first overall pick in the 2023 draft, Young enters this season with 8,291 passing yards, 49 passing touchdowns, 30 interceptions, 718 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns in a Carolina uniform. He's 14-30-0 as a starter.
"As a quarterback, you gotta get comfortable with the words yourself and where all the bones are buried on plays," Idzik said. "And then from there, he does a great job of recommending things that fit what we're trying to do as a whole."
"We've been doing so much work behind the scenes," Young said. "So since Day 1, since right when he got hired and first gave me a call from that first conversation till now, it's been great being able to work with him. I feel like we have great chemistry and a great working relationship, so I'm excited for it to continue to grow."
Young is set to make $12.1 million this season in the fourth year of his rookie deal. His fifth-year option is worth a guaranteed $25.9 million.
The Panthers will not sign Young to an extension before the 2026 season. The QB has to play well again this season to get paid next offseason.
Carolina hosts the Chicago Bears to open the 2026 season. Young vs. Caleb Williams should be a fun game.
