Adam Thielen says OC Thomas Brown has been one of the most impressive people in Panthers building
For the first time in a long time, veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen is the new kid on the block, suiting up for a new team for the first time in his nine-year NFL career. The Panthers signed Thielen this offseason, adding a needed veteran presence to their young receiving corps. But with OTAs and minicamp now over, Thielen was most impressed with Panthers’ offensive coordinator Thomas Brown.
“You know honestly, he’s probably been the most impressive person in this building for me,” Thielen said. “Obviously, I’ve had a lot of respect for a lot of these coaches and Coach Reich, and couldn’t wait to play for a guy like Coach Reich.”
Brown secured the first offensive coordinator job of his career this offseason when the Panthers hired him in February 17. He comes from the Sean McVay coaching tree, spending the last three seasons with the Los Angeles Rams as a running backs coach, tight ends coach, and assistant head coach.
He was on the Rams’ staff during their Super Bowl LVI winning season, and may be more of an under-the-radar coach, but still found a way to impress the veteran wideout.
“But I didn’t know a lot about Thomas Brown and Coach Brown and he’s been extremely impressive to me,” Thielen said. “And I’m very thankful that we’re working together.”
Brown also brings nine seasons of collegiate coaching experience with him to Charlotte, making stops at programs like Miami, South Carolina, and his alma mater Georgia. He also played running back for the Bulldogs, rushing for over 1,000 yards at Georgia and being selected with the No. 172 overall pick in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons.
Aside from inheriting Thielen, Brown has quite a few offensive weapons at his disposal that aren’t just new to him, but to the Panthers organization heading into the season. Along with Thielen, the Panthers signed running back Miles Sanders, tight end Hayden Hurst, and wide receiver DJ Chark this offseason.
Additionally, Carolina focused on offense first in this year’s NFL Draft, picking former Ole Miss wide receiver Jonathan Mingo as their second-round selection, and of course former, Alabama quarterback Bryce Young with the No. 1 overall pick of the draft.
Brown will attempt to revamp the Panthers’ new-look offense in 2023, and it will be interesting to see if he can live up to the high praise bestowed to him by Thielen with the season right around the corner.