The Carolina Panthers introduced new head coach Dave Canales and general manager Dan Morgan on Thursday. This came 366 days after they presented coach Frank Reich last year. It felt like the movie “Groundhog Day” with the team repeating hiring experiences.
The event differed from last year’s. The Panthers did not show a highlight video of Reich’s short tenure as a player here. Canales and Morgan sat in chairs instead of standing at a lectern. There was a buzz in the stadium club lounge. The 42-year-old Canales channeled Pete Carroll’s energetic style from Canales’ 14 years with the coach in Seattle.
Morgan maintained an intense tone reflecting the former Panthers linebacker. Morgan wants opponents to fear the Panthers logo again like in 2003 when Carolina first reached the Super Bowl. Besides maybe an offensive lineman or receiver, Morgan said the roster first needs more “dogs.”
Skepticism Understandable
“Who wouldn’t be skeptical?” asked Panthers legend Muhsin Muhammad. “This city, this organization, the players have seen turnover. Naturally you react with skepticism. You’re wrong if you don’t. These players have seen turnover.”
Muhammad said Canales must show energy daily. “You’ve gotta love being there every day,” he stated. Like Carroll, Canales should not lack passion. His success developing quarterbacks convinced the Panthers after a 90-minute interview. They chose Canales over experienced coaches and Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
New Front Office Model
The Panthers’ new front-office structure copies San Francisco’s. This could shield owner David Tepper from football decisions. “I’m in the background now,” Tepper quipped. Besides Canales and Morgan, Tepper hired Brandt Tilis from Kansas City. Tilis oversees contracts and the salary cap. This setup has worked for the 49ers and Rams. Give Tepper credit for a different approach.
Hopefully the Panthers will not need to introduce a new coach again next year. With North Carolina sports betting launching soon, fans can wager on whether Canales and Morgan will succeed. But Tepper does not get the benefit of the doubt based on his hiring history and the team’s 31-68 record under him.
Canales and Morgan Worked Together in Seattle
Morgan started as a pro scout in Seattle when Canales coached quarterbacks and receivers there. “We were about two doors apart. I remember Dan’s conviction and belief,” Canales said. Morgan quickly evaluated talent as a former player. Former Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer, also from Seattle, hired Morgan here in 2021.
Biggest Piece is Bryce Young
Keeping defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero’s staff would greatly help Canales. But getting quarterback Bryce Young to succeed is the biggest piece. Canales said rollouts and bootlegs can give the 5-foot-10 Young clearer passing lanes. While preparing to face Young with Tampa Bay, Canales kept “getting more and more fired up.”
“He’s the right guy, that face-of-the-franchise type player,” Canales stated.
