The Carolina Panthers‘ head coach carousel has been rough ever since Ron Rivera left. In 2019, owner David Tepper fired Rivera after nine seasons. Since then, the Panthers have changed five coaches in five years. Last year, they brought on board the Bucs‘ OC, Dave Canales. Fresh off helping Baker Mayfield revive his career in Tampa, Canales signed a six-year deal with the team.

Now that he has passed his first year as the HC, he reflected upon his journey in a recent interview with Kay Adams. The Panthers’ HC also dished out everything from coaching wisdom to some very strong words for a fellow first-year HC. And had a lot to say about Bryce Young. But more on that later.

With Kellen Moore now in the NFC South as the Saints’ head coach, Dave Canales is no longer the “new guy” in the division. Host Kay Adams couldn’t help but bring it up, asking, “What would you tell Kellen Moore as you see him here at the owner’s meetings? Whether it’s advice or just one thing that makes this division, and being a head coach in it, unique?” Canales didn’t duck that one.

Dave first reassured Moore that he’d get the job done. “You’re going to figure it out. It might seem like there’s never enough time in the day to do everything, but you’ll find a way,” Canales said, acknowledging how overwhelming it can feel at times. Moore is coming off a successful stint as the OC for a Super Bowl-winning team. In his single season with Philadelphia, he helped lead the team to a victory in Super Bowl LIX. 

However, as it would be Moore’s first time as HC, Canales had some advice for him. The Panthers‘ HC added, “Use your help, use the people that are smarter than you in different areas to really be a support for you. I would encourage him with that,” pointing out the importance of leaning on the right people.  

So, after offering his advice to Moore, Dave also opened up about his QB, Bryce Young, especially about how he handled his benching.

Dave Canales’ high praise for Bryce Young’s resilience

In 2023, Carolina decided to trade their WR DJ Moore to the Chicago Bears. They wanted to have the No. 1 pick in the draft, for which they selected a young QB from Alabama, Bryce Young. However, their young QB’s rookie season did not go as they had hoped. Bryce racked up 2,877 yards with 11 TDs in his first season. The Alabama alum threw 10 interceptions in his debut year. The Panthers’ season ended with them finishing in last place in the NFC South, with only 2 wins out of 17 games.

The slack in the rookie season hurt Young, as they benched him following the second week of his second season. Veteran Andy Dalton took on the QB1 role. Talking about Bryce’s benching, coach Dave Canales shared, “You know, he just really took the challenge, and he worked. I have to give Bryce all the credit.” Talking about his attitude toward the challenge, Canales revealed, “He never stopped leading the whole time he was in front. Talking to the guys, fist-bumping everybody, coming into the locker room at halftime, working the sidelines and supporting Andy while he was out there.” Hard work never goes in vain.

The 23-year-old resumed his QB1 duties ahead of Week 8. “When Bryce got back out there on the field, it was like the leadership part was seamless. And all of a sudden, you had a guy that was out to prove something.” Young wrapped his second season, racking up 2,403 yards and scoring 15 TDs. He had 9 interceptions that season. “I felt so much confidence in him being out there saying, ‘Look, I’m going to show you, coach, I’m the guy, and this is my team.’ And he certainly sent a message to me,” added Canales. 

After the regular season, Dave confirmed that they would be heading into their 2025 season with Bryce as the QB1. Young will be eager to prove his mettle this season.