NEW DELHI: The
Carolina Panthers
have appointed
Dave Canales
as their new
head coach
. Canales, 42, served as the
offensive coordinator
for the
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
in the 2023 season. He previously worked with the
Seattle Seahawks
, where he coached quarterbacks and collaborated with
Dan Morgan
, who is now the Panthers' general manager.
Both Canales and Morgan were hired by the Seahawks in 2010 and progressed through the ranks together.
Canales brings a wealth of experience, having contributed to the success of various players, including
Geno Smith
and
Baker Mayfield
.
Canales is the seventh head coach for the Panthers since owner David Tepper took over in 2018. His hiring follows a series of coaching changes, including interim coaches and the recent firing of first-year coach Frank Reich. The Panthers had the NFL's worst record in the previous season, finishing 2-15 and ranking last in total offense, passing, and points per game.
Tepper expressed confidence in Canales, praising his innovative mindset, positive energy, and ability to bring out the best in players. Reports suggest that the Panthers are working to retain their defensive staff.
Canales, who has never been a head coach at any level before, now becomes the only active NFL head coach of Hispanic heritage. His appointment adds diversity to the coaching ranks, joining the likes of Ron Rivera, who is also of Hispanic heritage. Morgan, the Panthers' general manager, was a former NFL linebacker drafted by the Panthers in 2001. Injuries, including concussions, cut his playing career short after 59 games.
(Inputs from Reuters)
English (US) ·