HEADLINES

Panthers To Hold Second HC Interviews With Dave Canales, Raheem Morris

January 22nd, 2024 at 4:15pm CST by Adam La Rose

Carolina’s search for a new head coach continues, and the list of finalists is growing. In addition to an incumbent option in defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, numerous outside candidates are now on the team’s radar.

Carolina is set to interview Buccaneers OC Dave Canales for a second time, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Likewise, the team remains interested in Raheem Morris. The Rams DC is lining up several second interviews, including one with the Panthers, ESPN’s Adam Schefter notes.

Canales’ only interview to date has come with the Panthers, a team in need of a coach capable of developing quarterback Bryce Young. The 2022 first overall pick struggled as a rookie, though the same was true as a whole for Carolina’s offense. Canales showed an ability to work well with Geno Smith during his time as Seattle’s QBs coach, and that landed him Tampa Bay’s OC position last offseason.

The Buccaneers’ offensive expectations were muted heading into the campaign with Baker Mayfield at quarterback. Indeed, Tampa finished only 20th in scoring and 23rd in total offense in Mayfield’s debut season with the team. However, he performed better down the stretch and delivered signficant statistical showings in both of the team’s playoff games. That could land Canales an extended look for his first career head coaching gig.

The Panthers are believed to prefer a coach with a background on the offensive side of the ball, but that does not apply to Morris. The veteran staffer does, however, have head coaching experience dating back to his time with the Buccaneers and (on an interim basis) Falcons. The 47-year-old has received a number of looks during the 2024 hiring cycle, including an interview with Atlanta.

Morris is believed to have departed the Falcons on good terms, meaning he could be a candidate to watch for Atlanta’s vacancy. He could have other options as well, though, including interest from the division-rival Panthers pending the outcome of their second meeting with one another. Staffers not still in the postseason are allowed to interview in person beginning today, so Carolina is one of many teams which could move toward a hire in the near future.

Here is an updated look at the Panthers’ search:

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