The Carolina Panthers are closing in on a deal with Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales to make him their new head coach, sources told NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Canales’ work with quarterback Baker Mayfield during his first year as an NFL offensive coordinator stood out to the Panthers, per Rapoport. Mayfield threw for 4,044 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions while completing 64.3% of his passes this season. The yardage, touchdown, and completion percentage marks all represent career highs for the former No. 1 overall pick.
Overall, Tampa Bay’s offense averaged 313 yards and 20.5 points per game in 2023. Those marks ranked 23rd and 20th, respectively.
