The Carolina Panthers have made a significant move in their coaching staff, as they plan to hire Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales as their new head coach, according to sources. While the length of Canales’ contract and other details are yet to be finalized, it is expected that the deal will be completed soon.
Canales, 42, has a strong track record of developing quarterbacks, having worked with notable names such as Russell Wilson, Geno Smith, and Baker Mayfield. The Panthers are hopeful that Canales can have a similar impact on their young quarterback Bryce Young, who had a challenging rookie season.
The decision to hire Canales was influenced by his previous working relationship with the Panthers’ new general manager Dan Morgan. The two spent eight years together on the Seattle Seahawks’ staff, with Canales serving as the wide receivers coach. Morgan’s familiarity with Canales and his endorsement played a significant role in the hiring process.
Canales’ recent success as an offensive coordinator also played a part in the Panthers’ decision. In 2020, as the passing game coordinator for the Seahawks, he helped Russell Wilson achieve career highs in touchdowns, completion percentage, and passing yards. Similarly, in 2022 as the quarterbacks coach for Seattle, he guided Geno Smith to a career-best season.
Most recently, Canales served as the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he played a crucial role in Baker Mayfield’s impressive performance. Mayfield recorded career highs in passing yards, touchdowns, and completion percentage under Canales’ guidance.
Canales will now face the challenge of developing Bryce Young, who had a difficult rookie season. Young struggled with consistency and had one of the worst statistical seasons for a quarterback taken with the top pick in NFL history. However, with Canales’ proven track record and expertise in quarterback development, there is optimism that Young can make significant strides under his guidance.
The Panthers’ decision to hire Canales comes at a critical time for the franchise. The team had a dismal 2-15 record in the 2023 season, marking their sixth consecutive losing season since team owner David Tepper took over in 2018. The Panthers are desperate for a turnaround, and they believe that Canales is the right person to lead them in the right direction.
This hiring also marks a significant change for the Panthers’ coaching staff. Canales will be the third head coach in as many years for the team, following Matt Rhule in 2022 and Frank Reich in 2023. Including interim coaches, Canales will be the fifth coach for the Panthers since 2022.
The Panthers initially targeted Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as their top choice for the head coaching position. However, it became apparent that Johnson had a preference for another team, the Washington Commanders, despite being a native of the Carolinas. This led the Panthers to shift their focus to Canales, ultimately leading to his hiring.
As the Panthers prepare for the 2024 season, there is renewed hope among fans that Canales can bring about the much-needed change and turn the team’s fortunes around. With his expertise in quarterback development and a proven track record of success, there is optimism that the Panthers can finally break free from their losing streak and become a competitive force in the NFL once again.
