CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Dave Canales hasn't coached his first game for the Carolina Panthers but he picked up a huge win this week as the team announced defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero will remain on staff for the 2024 season.
Canales raved about Evero's defense during his introductory news conference, saying he had huge respect for his coaching ability and wanted it to be a priority to keep that continuity within the organization.
"I mean, this is, for me, what a huge piece of what we're doing," Canales said.
Tampa Bay's offense struggled against Carolina last season, scoring just 30 total points in two games. Canales made it a point to mention how much Evero's defense brings to the table for the Panthers going forward.
"Just the respect factor that I have going against them," he said. "I know this scheme going against it. I'm really excited to learn more about the ins and outs as far as how the calls come in, the adjustments and all that. I just know it was really difficult on me for years, whether it was in Seattle going against the Rams in that family or this year just going against EJ twice."
Meanwhile, the Panthers announced that Brad Idzik will follow Canales from Tampa Bay to be Carolina's offensive coordinator. He spent last season as the Bucs' wide receivers coach. They also worked together in Seattle.
Tracy Smith also has a Seattle connection and will be Carolina's special teams coordinator. He was the Seahawks' assistant special teams coach last year. Prior to that, he had three years experience with the Texans following his first stint in Seattle.
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