Panthers agree to terms with Bucs offensive coordinator Dave Canales to become their next head coach
The Carolina Panthers have agreed to terms with Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales to become their new head coach Thursday in hopes that he can end a six-year playoff drought
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Dave Canales will attempt to do what Frank Reich and Matt Rhule before him could not: turn around the struggling Carolina Panthers.
The NFL’s worst team agreed to terms with Canales, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator, to become their head coach Thursday night in hopes that he will help snap a six-year playoff drought.
The Panthers are 31-68 since 2018, tied with the New York Jets for the worst record in the league during that span.
Canales becomes the seventh head coach to lead the Panthers since David Tepper took over as owner six years ago. He inherits a team that went 2-15 last season and does not have a first-round draft pick in 2024.
“Dave’s background is rooted in success,” Tepper said in a statement on the team’s website. “He has an innovative mindset and positive energy that connects well with players and staff. We are impressed with his ability to bring out the best in players.”