When the Carolina Panthers hired Dave Canales away from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the franchise knew it needed a change of pace.
The Frank Reich era was low energy and unsuccessful. Canales, 43, exudes vitality and forward-thinking. Carolina’s theory of the case was Bryce Young needed a related voice in his ear. On the surface, it appears Carolina may have nailed the hire before the team plays a signal snap of football this season.
Former NFL offensive tackle Russell Okung, who played for the Seattle Seahawks and Panthers, took to social media to offer effusive praise of Canales and his optimism.
“Turns out, relentless positivity is a superpower,” Okung said of Canales. “Great leaders inspire, not clone.”
Dan Quinn, Robert Saleh, Dave Canales.
All focused, punctual, with incredible presence.But one thing separates them.
So I knew this coach was different when I met his father.
Real ole G. He invited me his church once. Straight in the hood.
Saw everyone from pros to gangsters…— OKUNG 🐆 (@RussellOkung) July 19, 2024
Okung and Canales started in the NFL together in 2010. He saw the now Panthers head coach rise, noting his meticulous attention to detail and unending positivity.
But he isn’t alone in his assessment of the head man in Charlotte. Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield held similar sentiments during a Monday, July 15, episode of Pardon My Take.
“The definition of an optimist bully,” Mayfield said. “It could be the worst day ever, everything could be going wrong, and he’s sitting there and he’s like like, ‘Guys, we got the next play!’ Honestly, it’s refreshing.”
Canales, the optimistic bully, could be the antidote Young needs to finally start playing like a former No. 1 overall pick.
