Seventh time is a charm - at least, that's what Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper likely believes.
ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting that the Carolina Panthers have offered their Head Coaching position to Tampa Bay Offensive Coordinator Dave Canales, and that Canales is expected to accept the offer.
The 42 year old finished his first offensive coordinator assignment in Tampa with a 9-8 record, and guided the Buccaneers to an NFC South divisional championship and a Wild Card Round victory over Philadelphia Eagles, before losing in the Divisional Round at Detroit.
Canales was asked to mentor former Panthers quarterback Baker Mayfield, and Mayfield responded, setting career bests with 4,044 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and just ten interceptions on the season.
Including interim Head Coaches, Canales will become the seventh man to lead the Panthers during David Tepper's tenure as owner. Ron Rivera was fired in 2019, leaving Perry Fewell to finish the season. Matt Rhule was hired and lasted less than three seasons before being pink-slipped, handing the interim headset to Steve Wilks. Frank Reich was brought in to mentor Bryce Young in his first year, but was fired after a 1-11 start, allowing Chris Tabor to finish the season in charge.
Canales and new Carolina General Manager Dan Morgan worked together for eight years in Seattle.