Panthers reportedly interviewing Bucs OC Dave Canales a second time
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offense took big steps forward as the 2023 season went along, and a lot of it had to do with their offensive coordinator Dave Canales. In his first season in Tampa, Canales' scheme and game plans helped QB Baker Mayfield have a huge bounce back season. Mike Evans also had his […]
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offense took big steps forward as the 2023 season went along, and a lot of it had to do with their offensive coordinator Dave Canales.
In his first season in Tampa, Canales' scheme and game plans helped QB Baker Mayfield have a huge bounce back season. Mike Evans also had his best season in the last five years, earning AP second-team All-Pro honors. Rachaad White looked like a legitimate three-down back with 1539 yards from scrimmage.
However, with success comes interest in the NFL, and Canales is no exception to that. The Carolina Panthers will reportedly interview Canales a second time for their vacant head coach position.
For those wondering if Canales will end up in Carolina after just one year as a coordinator, the concern (if you're a Bucs fan) is that the Panthers just hired former Panthers LB Dan Morgan as their new general manager. Morgan and Canales spent time together in Seattle from 2010 to 2017. Morgan was the assistant director of player personnel and later promoted to director in 2015. Canales was an offensive quality control coach, assistant QB coach, and WR coach during the same period of time.
As such, while some might want to write off Canales as a guy whose time will eventually come but not yet, they might be right. It would be quick to hire a head coach who, just a year ago, was finishing up handling duties as a QB coach in Seattle with no coordinator experience.
However, it's clear that people have bought into Canales as a motivator and a smart football mind. Morgan has undoubtedly known that for a long time and will have his chance to pluck the Buccaneers' promising offensive coordinator in the coming days.
Tampa Bay fans who are hoping for a repeat in 2024 are hoping that doesn't end up happening.
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