Panthers show just how confident they are in new head coach

The Carolina Panthers have their new HC in former Tampa Bay Buccaneers OC Dave Canales. The Panthers made it official on Thursday evening per ESPN insider Adam Schefter. Not only did they find their new clubhouse leader, but their confidence in Canales is evident as they have signed him to a new six-year contract. After […]

Damian Parson

Jan 26, 2024 8:45 AM EST

The Carolina Panthers have their new HC in former Tampa Bay Buccaneers OC Dave Canales.

The Panthers made it official on Thursday evening per ESPN insider Adam Schefter.

Panthers officially agreed to terms tonight with their new head coach Dave Canales.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 26, 2024

Not only did they find their new clubhouse leader, but their confidence in Canales is evident as they have signed him to a new six-year contract.

After the last two porous hires, the Panthers look to change their fortunes with this hire. The team is trying to salvage and not break their young talented signal caller, Bryce Young, who they traded up and selected as the first-overall pick of the 2023 NFL draft.

Panthers are giving their new head coach Dave Canales a six-year contract, per source. https://t.co/ZwF313jG7Z
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 26, 2024

Why is a six-year contract important?

The Panthers have dealt with cultural issues under the leadership of owner David Tepper and former HCs Matt Rhule and Frank Reich. Neither of the aforementioned coaches knew how to properly connect with their players in the locker room. They struggled to find success on the football field as well.

Canales has done amazing work getting the best out of Seattle Seahawks QB Geno Smith in 2022 and Tampa Bay Buccanneers QB Baker Mayfield in 2023. Panthers nation have their fingers crossed that he can do the same for Young, who struggled during his rookie season under the leadership of Reich and interim HC Chris Tabor.

Signing Canales to a six-year deal tells everyone on the inside of the building and the outside, that they are ready for stability. It also shows just how confident they are that this is the right hire to move the franchise forward. Rebuilding this team will take more than one year, but the need for a stable voice to lead these men is paramount.