Panthers to Hire Buccaneers Offensive Coordinator Dave Canales

TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 15: Offensive Coordinator Dave Canales of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on prior to the NFC Wild Card Playoffs against the Philadelphia Eagles at Raymond James Stadium on January 15, 2024 in Tampa, Florida (Photo : Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

The Carolina Panthers are preparing to hire Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales as their new head coach, according to NFL Insider Adam Schefter. 

At the age of 42, Canales' rise up the coaching ladder includes 13 years spent with the Seattle Seahawks under Pete Carroll as a wide receiver coach and then a quarterbacks coach, working with Russell Wilson and helping guide Geno Smith to a career year in 2021. 

He then spent time with the Buccaneers as an offensive coordinator, helping quarterback Baker Mayfield to one of his best seasons throughout his career; including a wild card win and an appearance in the NFC Divisional Round. 

Now, he has reunited with Panthers general manager Dan Morgan after the two spent time in Seattle. 

Are Panthers and Canales a Perfect Match?

Canales would be tasked with helping out first overall pick quarterback Bryce Young, who is coming off a disastrous rookie season; one that didn't go the way the franchise had hoped. 

The Panthers went 2-15 last season and finished with the worst record in the NFL, firing of head coach Frank Riech mid-season. Young also saw little development, throwing for 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. 

The franchise is hoping Canales could help steer Young in the right direction after playing a role in resurrecting Baker Mayfield's career.

Who were the Panthers' other Coaching Candidates?

The Panthers head coaching job seemed to be one of the less desirable positions in the NFL, based on their overall talent and franchise history.

Several others were linked to the Carolina Panthers, including Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, and former Titans head coach Mike Vrabel.

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