If you can’t beat ’em, then interview ’em for your head-coaching vacancy.
According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, the Carolina Panthers have requested to speak with Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales. This latest development in the team’s coaching search comes one day after the Bucs bested the Panthers in their regular-season finale.
Canales has rose to popularity following his recent work with quarterback Baker Mayfield—whom the Panthers, ironically enough, couldn’t get going in 2022. Mayfield has thrown for career-highs this season in yards (4,044), touchdowns (28) and completion rate (64.3 percent).
Prior to his union with the former No. 1 overall pick, Canales helped in Geno Smith’s career rejuvenation for the Seattle Seahawks last season. With Canales as his quarterbacks coach, Smith led the NFL in completion percentage (69.8) while hitting bests in passing yards (4,282) and passing touchdowns (30).
The Buccaneers, who are heading into the playoffs with their third straight NFC South title, rank 23rd in total offense.
