The Carolina Panthers wanted a passionate young coach to pair with second-year quarterback Bryce Young. Carolina may have struck gold in hiring former Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales.
Now, the first-time head coach is sending a message to the team and its fan base heading into the 2024 regular season. Canales sent a three-word message to Panthers fans on Twitter Sunday afternoon, sharing his excitement with his “Let’s Get It!” post.
Last season, Canales called plays for a Buccaneers offense that finished the season scoring 20.5 points per game. Canales inherited Baker Mayfield as his quarterback, helping him finish ninth in the league with 4,044 passing yards and 28 touchdowns.
The 2023 season was one of Mayfield’s best as a professional player, reviving his career after many believed he was no longer a viable starting quarterback in the NFL. Panthers fans – and its front office – also believe Canales can help their budding star do the same in Carolina.
Last year, Carolina scored just under 14 points per game with Young under center, leading to the team’s firing of previous coach Frank Reich. The Panthers targeted an offensive mind to replace Reich, as Canales is also seen as a budding star in the coaching ranks.
Canales started his career in California, coaching for a local high school and multiple colleges before USC gave him a break to become the assistant strength coach in 2009. In 2010, Canales joined the NFL ranks as a wide receiver coach for the Seattle Seahawks, serving in this capacity and several others before Tampa Bay named him offensive coordinator last season.