Dave Canales has officially been announced as the next head coach of the Carolina Panthers. Here’s what some of our staff at All Panthers has to say about the hire, along with some grades.
Related: Official: Panthers Announce Dave Canales as Head Coach
Schuyler Callihan: B+
I understand this wasn’t the hire most in the Carolina’s wanted, but Canales has great potential as a head coach. Just look at the work he done with Russell Wilson, Geno Smith, and Baker Mayfield – all three had the best years of their respective career when working with him. After speaking to some folks in Tampa, the number one thing about him is that he can lead and he is very thoughtful about every aspect of the business. This could be a sneaky good hire for David Tepper.
Matt Alquiza: A-
Carolina has tried a successful college coach. Carolina has tried a retread head coach. It’s time for some new blood in the coach’s seat and Canales brings just that. He’s a talented play-caller and by all accounts a leader that players want to follow. If Canales spent one more year as the OC in Tampa he would have been the league’s hottest coaching candidate in 2025. Great job by David Tepper and Dan Morgan to be ahead of the curve.