Dave Canales (born May 7, 1981) is an American football coach who is currently the head coach for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League (NFL). He has previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Canales has a history of developing quarterbacks, having worked with Russell Wilson, Geno Smith, and Baker Mayfield during his time with the Seattle Seahawks.
Some key points about Dave Canales' career include:
Born in Harbor City, California, Canales attended Carson High School and later Azusa Pacific University.
He has spent 13 years with the Seahawks, holding various positions such as wide receivers coach, quarterbacks coach, and passing game coordinator.
In 2023, Canales was hired as the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he oversaw a career revival for quarterback Baker Mayfield.
The Carolina Panthers agreed to terms with Canales as their seventh head coach in franchise history on January 26, 2024.
Canales' familiarity with new Panthers general manager Dan Morgan, whom he worked with in Seattle, played a role in his hiring.
He is tasked with helping turn around the career of quarterback Bryce Young in Carolina.