The Carolina Panthers’ head coach, Dave Canales, has announced his resignation.
Dave Canales and the Panthers reach a deal for Canales to become head coach.
CHARLOTTE — The Panthers have a new head coach and an opportunity to get back on track.
On Thursday, the team reached an agreement to name Dave Canales, the offensive coordinator for the Buccaneers, as the eighth head coach in its history.
“Dave’s history is based on achievement,” stated David Tepper, the owner of the Panthers. He gets along well with players and staff because of his creative thinking and upbeat demeanor. His ability to bring out the best in players has pleased us.”
Canales, 42, has a track record of advancing up the ranks and using the opportunities presented by the position groups and units he has worked with.
He worked with new Panthers President of Football Operations and General Manager Dan Morgan for eight years in Seattle, so there’s certainly a chance for a philosophical fit with the front office.
Not only that, but his recent work with the Bucs produced results right away in an area that many coaches were reluctant to approach.
Following quarterback Baker Mayfield’s retirement in Tampa, Canales joined the team this season and helped guide them to an NFC South championship and a postseason victory.
And because to a quarterback with quick release and downfield passing ability, the Bucs ranked eighth in the league for plays of 20 yards or more the previous season.
He followed head coach Pete Carroll from Southern California to the Seahawks, where he played for 13 years before joining the Bucs.
Morgan remarked, “I’m thrilled to collaborate with Dave once more.” “His experience as a position group coach has provided him with a strong knowledge of the components of a successful squad.
Players and everyone else he interacts with are drawn to his contagious charisma. I have no doubt that will carry over onto the pitch.”
He started as the receivers coach in Seattle and worked his way up to become the quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator, just like Morgan.
He assisted Geno Smith in 2022, when the journeyman quarterback set career highs in passing yards and touchdowns (4,282 and 30) and achieved a league-leading completion percentage (69.8), helping Smith win the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award.
This puts him in a good position to collaborate with former first-round selection Blake Young and a 2023 offense that finished last in the league.
It is anticipated that Canales will keep making play calls. Canales will answer directly to owner David Tepper, just like Morgan does.
After former Panthers coach Ron Rivera, Brian Flores, Tom Flores, and Tom Fears, he becomes the only Hispanic coach in the league currently in operation, the second in team history, and only the fifth in the history of the league.
