Panthers mailbag: Who might join new head coach Dave Canales’ staff in 2024?
Carolina fans are concerned about the future of their favorite franchise, as new head coach Dave Canales prepares to take over. That’s why the Panthers mailbag is returning to answer those questions. Here are three outstanding questions from social media: Dave Canales’ Coaching Staff Construction Chris inquires: What prospective offensive/defensive coordinator relationships does Canales have throughout the league? Partho asks: Given his connections in Seattle, who do you see that could potentially join him from his time with the Seahawks? Let us integrate these two questions into one answer.
As Partho correctly points out, Canales’ staff, at least on offense and special teams, should have a Seattle flair.
Canales brought wide receivers coach Brad Idzik from Seattle to Tampa Bay, and the Panthers have already asked to talk with him for their offensive coordinator position. The organization has also requested to talk with Marcus Brady, the Philadelphia Eagles’ senior offensive assistant and former Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator, for the OC position. Idzik and Canales worked together in Seattle for many years, and the coaches understand one other’s thinking. If Canales intends to call plays, his offensive coordinator, who will serve as an advisor, schemer, and game-plan lieutenant, should share his vision. If the OC title is just that, Idzik fits well in. If the position entails play calling, Brady may be a better fits based on his experience.
As The Observer first reported on Friday, the Panthers have asked to speak with Tracy Smith about their special teams coordinator position.
Smith has spent two periods in Seattle, where he worked with Canales. Smith formerly worked as the special teams coordinator for the Houston Texans in 2020. He is now the Seahawks’ special teams assistant coach; the team has yet to choose a head coach. Larry Izzo, Smith’s special teams coordinator, might also be a candidate.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Panthers have asked to talk with Dallas Cowboys quality control coach Will Harriger about the quarterback coach position. Harriger collaborated with Canales in Seattle for five seasons. He’s since coached in Dallas, Atlanta, and Jacksonville. He also spent time at the University of Southern California in 2022, when Caleb Williams won the Heisman Trophy.
With defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero’s future uncertain and the Seattle position still available, the defensive staff is in disarray. If Evero gets the Seattle position, Canales will need to connect some dots on that side of the ball.
Ken Norton Jr., UCLA’s linebackers coach, spent four seasons as Seattle’s defensive coordinator before moving to the college game. Norton worked with Canales for two Seattle periods totaling eight seasons. Damione Lewis, Seahawks assistant defensive line coach who played in the NFL from 2001 to 2010, could be an interesting addition to the staff. On the offensive side, Canales has a longstanding working relationship with Nate Carroll, a longtime Seahawks assistant and the son of former head coach Pete Carroll. The younger Carroll has much experience with wide receivers.
Pat McPherson, the Seahawks’ tight ends coach, arrived in Seattle the same year as Canales (2010) and has remained there ever since. He could be a candidate for the same role in Carolina. Chad Morton, the Seahawks’ running backs coach, would also be a good fit for the Panthers’ opening. Also, with the Panthers wanting to replace James Campen, Seattle offensive line coach Andy Dickerson is an obvious candidate. It’s uncertain whether Canales will go outside his friend zone for his employees. So far, two of his most important job opportunities appear to be landing spots for longstanding friends.
If Canales decides to leave his comfort zone, he should have plenty of options, given there are numerous staffs in turmoil throughout the league. Canales will likely compete for several Seattle offensive assistants with the Chicago Bears, who recently hired Shane Waldron as offensive coordinator. Waldron has already hired Kerry Joseph, a Seattle staffer, as his quarterbacks coach.
Carolina Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer, left, speaks with Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales, center, on the Panthers’ sideline before their game at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, January 7, 2024, in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Buccaneers beat the Panthers 9-0. Later that month, Fitterer was sacked, and Canales took over as Panthers head coach. JEFF SINER (jsiner@charlotteobserver.com)
The leaguewide usage of the franchise tag will make the answer to the first question more fluid. Teams can use the tag to keep some big players off the market (like Carolina’s Brian Burns), and I believe that practice will have an impact on the wide receiver position.
If Cincinnati Bengals wideout Tee Higgins becomes available, he should be the Panthers’ top target, and they should make every effort to bring him to Carolina. If he is not on the board, the outlook suffers significantly.
However, in general, the Panthers should prioritize surrounding Bryce Young with experienced players. If the organization intends to upgrade one or two offensive line positions, it should prioritize the offensive line in free agency. Young does not require a “growing pains” offensive line despite taking 62 sacks as a rookie. Wide receiver, as previously stated, should be quite high on the list.
Overall, the Panthers should focus surrounding Bryce Young with veteran players. If the organization intends to upgrade one or two offensive line positions during free agency, the offensive line should be prioritized. Young does not require a “growing pains” offensive line, despite absorbing 62 sacks as a rookie. Wide receiver, as previously indicated, should be near the top of the list.
