The Carolina Panthers are reportedly on the verge of hiring Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales as their new head coach. Sourced information for the move comes from NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, CBS Sports Lead NFL Insider Jonathan, and various AP sources.

After finding success working with the Buccaneers, Canales is now set to assume head coaching responsibilities in Carolina, a move being facilitated by Dan Morgan, Carolina’s president of football operations and general manager. Morgan has familiarity with Canales from their time together with the Seattle Seahawks. Canales distinguished himself in Seattle, spending 13 seasons as an assistant before moving to Tampa Bay in 2023.

Canales’s time with the Buccaneers saw him work effectively with the team’s quarterbacks, a trait that Carolina hopes to leverage for their own quarterback, Bryce Young. After a disappointing 2-15 season, the Panthers are banking on Canales to initiate a strong turnaround, utilizing his proven offensive strategies and coaching prowess. This is a developing story that looks to shape the future of the Carolina Panthers franchise.