Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Brad Idzik has been named the team's offensive play-caller for the 2026 season, head coach Dave Canales announced. This will be Idzik’s first time holding primary play-calling duties, which he approached with humor, saying he has been preparing by playing "a lot of Madden," according to Yahoo Sports.
The move allows Canales to concentrate more on defense and special teams, areas he indicated require elevated focus as the team looks to continue improving. Canales praised Idzik's five-year collaboration with him and his prior NFL experience, including roles as wide receivers coach in Tampa Bay and assistant in Seattle.
Canales also highlighted the recent hiring of Darrell Bevell as associate head coach and offensive specialist, citing Bevell’s extensive NFL background and influence from Miami's coaching staff as pivotal to enhancing the Panthers' offensive scheme. This coaching adjustment is part of a broader strategy to address the team's ongoing offensive challenges despite recent progress.
Idzik’s promotion aligns with a concerted effort to advance the Panthers’ offensive production by leveraging experienced personnel in specialized roles. The changes reflect a systematic recalibration of responsibilities within the coaching staff intended to optimize game management and overall team development.
Going forward, observers will watch closely to see how Idzik handles in-game decisions and whether the revamped coaching structure translates to measurable improvement in the Panthers’ offensive output during the 2026 season. The effectiveness of these strategic shifts may influence subsequent staff roles and play-calling responsibilities.
Brad Idzik
Darrell Bevell
Dave Canales
Carolina Panthers
Seattle
Indianapolis
