the Carolina Panthers have reportedly agreed to onboard Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator, Dave Canales, as their new head coach.
This pivotal transition, however, remains unofficial until all the details are duly finalized.
This exclusive news scoop was confirmed by two individuals who chose to remain anonymous during a conversation with The Associated Press on Thursday.
Though certain specifics such as the duration of Canales’ contract have not been officially announced.
Although Canales has confirmed his switch to the Panthers, there are still numerous complexities to be addressed.
Until the fine print gets the final nod of approval, the move remains unannounced.
Panthers are hiring Buccaneers’ offensive Dave Canales as their new head coach, per sources. Panthers have offered the job and Canales is taking it. “It will get done,” per source. pic.twitter.com/yddN1uEKyd
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 25, 2024
This appointment of Dave Canales holds significance as it marks the Panthers’ seventh head coach incumbency since David Tepper assumed the owner’s responsibility in 2018.
Being only 42 years old, Dave Canales, is already making waves with his impressive playbook.
He has a history of improving quarterback play, as evidenced by his work with renowned professionals Russell Wilson, Geno Smith, and Baker Mayfield.
The Carolina Panthers are hopeful that Canales can do the same magic for Bryce Young in his role as the new head coach.
The decision to appoint Canales came after his second interview in Charlotte, which saw him interact with team owner, David Tepper, general manager Dan Morgan, among others.
Morgan, having shared eight successful years with Canales during their tenure with the Seattle Seahawks, could have influenced the decision to bring Canales on board.
In fact, Canales and Morgan’s relationship dates back to the 2009 USC era under Pete Carroll, where Canales initially served as USC’s strength and conditioning coach.
Canales’ record paints an impressive image of a man with a knack for squeezing the best out of his offensive quarterbacks.
In 2020, he orchestrated a career-high 4,212 passing yards for Wilson, along with 40 touchdowns.
In 2022, Canales’ strategy resulted in Smith achieving a career-high passing yard of 4,282, and 30 touchdowns.
And just this past season, Mayfield, then with the Panthers, got a career-high of 4,044 yards and 28 touchdowns under Canales’ watch at Tampa Bay.
The biggest challenge Canales now faces is Young, the first pick of the 2023 draft, who had an underwhelming first season.
With 2-14 in the 16 starts he made, passing for 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
The Carolina Panthers underperformed in 2023, ending with the worst record in NFL – 2-15.
The team has seen six consecutive disappointing seasons since Tepper’s takeover in 2018.
Canales, despite this unfortunate legacy, is tasked with turning the tide.
