Panthers HC Dave Canales plans to reunite with a former friend to add a veteran presence to his offensive staff
Darrell Bevell is set to join the Carolina Panthers coaching staff in 2026.
The Carolina Panthers are expected to keep things status quo going into the 2026 season as it relates to the coaching staff under head coach Dave Canales after a surprising 2025-26 breakout season.
Panthers fans were hoping to see their head coach shake some things up and look to evolve after such a successful season, but Canales opted for familiarity running it back with defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and offensive coordinator Brad Idzik.
The one thing still up in the air is whether or not Canales will hand over offensive play-calling duties in 2026 to focus more on his head coach responsibilities. Time will tell whether or not he’ll make that decision, but the Panthers are at least adding a new veteran mind to the offensive staff that has experience working with Canales.
Panthers expected to hire former offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell to the coaching staff
According to NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero, the Panthers are hiring former offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell to the coaching staff as the team’s associate head coach / offensive specialist. As Pelissero noted, Bevell is a respected NFL assistant and will be a trusted mind to have on offense.
The emphasis needs to be put on the word “trusted” as well. Bevell, Canales, and general manager Dan Morgan all spent time working together with the Seattle Seahawks and all have history with each other. Bevell served as the Seahawks offensive coordinator from 2011-2017 when Canales worked up the ranks as one of Bevell’s offensive assistants.
Seattle had a Top-10 scoring offense in four straight seasons under Bevell (2012-15), including two trips to the Super Bowl during the prime of Russell Wilson’s career. After leaving Seattle, Bevell spent time as the offensive coordinator with the Detroit Lions (2019-2020) and the Jacksonville Jaguars (2021). He recently served as the QB coach and passing game coordinator with the Miami Dolphins.
Clearly, Bevell has a wealth of knowledge he can bring to the team’s offensive coaching staff and assist during meetings throughout the week. He also has an expertise working with the quarterback position and can help further elevate quarterback Bryce Young going into a critical fourth season.
It’s a strong hire and one that should, in theory, help the Panthers offense continue to take that next step going into the 2026 season.
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