Dave Canales tabbed as dark horse candidate for an award any first-year head coach would want

As Dave Canales sets to rebuild the Panthers in his image, he was labeled a dark horse candidate for an award every coach wants.

Ian Kayanja
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Jun 4, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers Head Coach Dave Canales walks across the field during OTAs. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Image via Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Dave Canales has enough pressure on his shoulders. 

The Carolina Panthers' first-year head coach is tasked with figuring out a pathway through no-mans-land, which the team has resided in for years. He also has to figure out the offensive keys to unlocking second-year quarterback Bryce Young. 

If he does so, the Panthers could be in good shape. And Bleacher Report labeled Canales as a dark horse Coach of the Year candidate if all breaks right for Carolina. 

"The Panthers have only one direction to go, and if Canales can help fix quarterback Bryce Young and help Carolina overachieve, he'll be in the running for sure," Bleacher Report writes. "The talent and experience is there, and the NFC South is soft enough for a surprise Panthers run." 

Canales has a good track record with quarterbacks. He helped rebuild Geno Smith's career. He then did the same for Tampa Bay quarterback and former Panthers starter Baker Mayfield. 

Working in his favor is the fact that Young is now hearing a consistent message, according to recent reports. 

In Young's rookie season, there were too many cooks in the kitchen – making life difficult for an already overmatched starter. 

To be Coach of the Year, Canales would have to lead the Panthers back to the postseason – something that hasn't happened since David Tepper bought the team. 

Canales would also need to have Young look like the elite quarterback he was drafted to be. 

If those two "ifs" can happen, a Coach of the Year award may already be on its way. 

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