CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – The Carolina Panthers have hired a new head coach.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales has earned the job, becoming a first-time NFL head coach.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and ESPN’s Adam Schefter were the first to report the news just after noon on Thursday.

Canales became a hot candidate on the coaching market this offseason after revitalizing the careers of quarterbacks Geno Smith and Baker Mayfield during the past two seasons.

The 42-year-old called plays for the first time in 2023, helping the Buccaneers win the NFC South and coaching Mayfield to a career-high in both passing yards and touchdowns. He did the same for Smith a year prior.

Canales worked as an offensive assistant for the Seahawks from 2010 to 22 before his lone season with Tampa Bay. During his time with the Seahawks, Carolina’s new coach worked with Dan Morgan, who was hired as the franchise’s general manager earlier on Monday.

Now that he has the job, Canales will be tasked with maximizing the potential of Bryce Young, the Panthers’ top draft pick in 2023 and likely quarterback of the future. Young struggled at times as a rookie, finishing the season with 11 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

The Panthers now have their fourth full-time head coach since owner David Tepper bought the team in 2018. Frank Reich was fired this past year, failing to make it through a full season at the helm.

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