Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales had his ups and downs as a first-year offensive coordinator in the NFL, but he finished overall with an impressive debut — so impressive, in fact, that it seems to have already made him a top candidate in the coaching carousel for 2024.
Canales first interviewed for the Carolina Panthers digitally while the team prepared to play the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card Round of the NFC Playoffs. Now that the team is eliminated, he’s scheduled to take a second interview with the Panthers in person, but according to sources around the league, his chances of winning the job have rapidly been increasing as momentum builds for his potential hiring.
NFL reporter Aaron Wilson reported Tuesday that Canales was a “serious contender” for the job and that he impressed in his initial interview with the Panthers.
#Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales, scheduled for a second interview with #Panthers, has been impressive in interviews, per league sources, and is regarded as a serious contender for Carolina job @KPRC2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) January 23, 2024
The Athletic’s Joe Person, who covers the Carolina Panthers, reiterated this report. He reported Tuesday that Canales’ candidacy is building momentum and that this is in part due to his connections with new Panthers general manager Dan Morgan, who worked with Canales as director of pro personnel in Seattle with the Seahawks.
A lot of these jobs getting filled or close to it. Meanwhile, momentum building for Dave Canales’ candidacy in Carolina. He and Dan Morgan were together in Seattle. https://t.co/RqWwIMf1aE
— Joe Person (@josephperson) January 23, 2024
Canales wasn’t perfect as an offensive coordinator for the Bucs, but his departure would be a blow to the team. If Canales were to leave, Tampa Bay would be faced with a third offensive coordinator in as many years in 2024. Additionally, the team would have to hunt for a replacement a little later in the cycle.
