With the Panthers in the playoffs, Dave Canales’ biggest win may already be secured. Regardless of how this postseason run ends, the direction of the franchise finally feels clear. For the first time in years, the Panthers look like a team building toward something instead of scrambling to survive.
A Franchise Searching for Stability
Over the last decade, Carolina has been one of the most chaotic organizations in the NFL. That instability started at the top. Former owner Jerry Richardson was forced to sell the team following multiple allegations of workplace misconduct, ranging from sexual harassment to inappropriate comments and the use of a racial slur. The NFL, unwilling to let another Donald Sterling–type situation unfold, saw Richardson place the team on the market during the 2017 season.
On July 9, 2018, David Tepper purchased the Panthers for $2.2 billion, ushering in a new era for the franchise. What followed, however, was anything but smooth. Tepper’s early years were bumpy, defined by questionable decisions, coaching turnover, and inconsistent messaging about the team’s long-term vision.
Why Dave Canales Was Hired
Just two years ago, the Panthers owned the worst record in the league and didn’t even have a first-round pick. They were searching for direction as much as they were searching for talent. Enter Dave Canales — hired to do something Carolina hadn’t prioritized in years: develop young players and genuinely connect with them.
Canales has been exactly what the Panthers hoped he would be.
Results, Identity, and Growth on the Field
Start with the results. The Panthers are in the playoffs. In a league where coaches are routinely fired for failing to get their teams into January football, Canales has Carolina playing meaningful games despite finishing the regular season at 8–9. They’re ahead of several teams with better records and now face the Los Angeles Rams in the postseason.
More importantly, the identity of the team has changed. The Panthers finished top 15 in rushing offense and became one of the most aggressive teams in the league on fourth down. Carolina converted 67% of its fourth-down attempts, good for fourth-best in the NFL. That aggressiveness isn’t reckless — it reflects a coaching staff confident in its preparation and players. Canales brought that mindset to Carolina, and the team has been rewarded for it.
Player Development and Quarterback Stability
Player development was always the true reason Canales was hired, especially at quarterback. Since Cam Newton’s departure, the position had been stuck in limbo. Teddy Bridgewater, Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield, and P.J. Walker all took turns running the offense, and none provided long-term answers.
Canales’ success with Geno Smith in Seattle and Baker Mayfield in Tampa Bay showed Carolina what he could do with the right approach. Bryce Young’s rookie season was disastrous, and the coaching staff at the time did little to help him stabilize. He clearly needed structure, patience, and guidance.
When Canales benched Young during his second season, it wasn’t a demotion — it was a reset.
In an interview with ESPN, Young explained how that moment shaped him:
“The human side of me definitely was wondering… but the big thing for me was trying to resist that and really trust God — not chasing answers or justification, just being consistent and believing everything would work out in His timing.”
That experience didn’t break Young. It helped him grow into the quarterback the Panthers needed down the stretch.
A few players have shown flashes of real improvement as well. Jalen Coker, an undrafted free agent, has worked his way into a meaningful role and is now playing well enough to be considered the Panthers’ No. 2 receiver. Safety Nick Scott has been a surprise for many fans and has made a few big plays for Carolina this year. But it is more than just stats, but the connections.
Culture Over Outcome
Coach has brought a positive and culture-focused mindset to the locker room. He has been energetic and emotional after the wins and taken accountability on for the losses. The post-game videos on Panthers.com have been inspiring and fired up Panther fans.
He’s known for building strong relationships with his players. When it’s waiting for Bryce Young before addressing the locker room or continuing to instill belief in Xavier Legette during a difficult season. The stories of Canales supporting his players feel like a flashback to Dick Vermeil’s leadership style. Kurt Warner has often said that Vermeil’s public belief in him, especially during press conferences, was exactly what he needed early in his career.
The Biggest Win Already Secured
The result on Saturday won’t change the fact that Carolina is finally on the right track. This team now has a good culture and a foundation that feels sustainable. A coach who understands his players and how to reach them anchors the team. General Manager Dan Morgan supports that vision and has a clear plan to execute it. Adding talent without constantly resetting the roster or the locker room.
For years, the Panthers have been searching for stability. They cycled through quarterbacks, coaches, and philosophies, hoping something would stick. Dave Canales has it. He has brought structure, accountability, and belief back into the building, and that alone makes this season a success.
Winning a playoff game would be meaningful. Advancing would be exciting. The biggest win has already happened. The Panthers are no longer drifting. They’re building, and for the first time in a long time, that matters more than the final score.