Dave Canales

David Aaron Canales was born on May 7, 1981, and is an American professional football coach. He is currently the head coach for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League, also known as the NFL. Before becoming a coach, Canales played college football at Azusa Pacific from 1999 to 2003.

Canales began his coaching career in 2004, working with high school football teams in California at his alma mater, Carson. He later moved to El Camino College in 2007, where he coached special teams and tight ends. In 2009, he joined USC as an assistant strength coach. From 2010 to 2022, Canales was an assistant coach for the Seattle Seahawks under Pete Carroll, working with the team's offense.

In 2023, Canales became the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He helped the team win the 2023 NFC South Divisional title and secure a victory in the Wild Card Round against the Philadelphia Eagles, though they later lost to the Detroit Lions in the Divisional Round. On January 25, 2024, Canales left the Buccaneers to sign a six-year contract as the new head coach of the Carolina Panthers.

Early life and education

Dave Canales was born on May 7, 1981, in Harbor City, California. His parents, Ritha and Isaac Canales, are of Mexican descent. Dave grew up in Harbor City while his father worked as a pastor at Mission Ebenezer Family Church in Carson, California.

He went to Carson High School and finished his studies there in 1999. During his time in school, Dave played football. In one year, he played as a defensive back and was chosen for the best team in his league. The next year, he switched to playing as a quarterback and was also chosen for the best team. Besides football, Dave also took part in track and field and baseball.

College career

Dave Canales began playing football for the Azusa Pacific Cougars in 1999. He played as a wide receiver and had his best season in 2003, when he helped the team reach the NAIA Playoffs. During his time there, he caught 27 passes for a total of 293 yards and scored one touchdown. He also earned a degree in business administration from Azusa Pacific University in 2003.

College statistics

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Coaching career

Dave Canales began his coaching career at Carson High School from 2004 to 2005, where he was the head coach and offensive coordinator for the freshman and sophomore teams.

In 2006, he moved to El Camino College and worked with the team until 2008. He helped them win the California Community College State Championship in 2006 and two Mission Conference titles. During this time, he met Pete Carroll, who was the head coach of the USC Trojans. In 2009, Canales joined USC as an assistant strength coach.

Canales followed Carroll to the Seattle Seahawks in 2010. He was part of the team when they won the Super Bowl in 2013. Over 13 years with the Seahawks, he coached wide receivers and later quarterbacks, helping players like Geno Smith have successful seasons.

In 2023, Canales became the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He helped improve the team's offense and guided quarterback Baker Mayfield to career-best statistics.

Canales became the head coach of the Carolina Panthers in 2024. In his first season, he led the team to a 5–12 record. In 2025, the Panthers improved to an 8–9 record, won the NFC South title, and made the playoffs for the first time since 2017. Although they lost in the playoffs, Canales was praised for building a strong team.

Head coaching record

Personal life

Dave Canales is married to Lizzy Canales. They met while they were both students at Azusa Pacific University. Together, they have four children.