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Greg Auman
NFC South Reporter
Taking over the team with the worst record in the NFL is no easy task, but new Panthers head coach Dave Canales and general manager Dan Morgan, both introduced on Thursday, say they eagerly embrace the pressure of such a big turnaround.
“Can I say I’m nervous? Is that alright?” said Canales, 42, predictably energetic and upbeat in answering questions. “This is a big task. This is serious for me. This is a great opportunity, and so I don’t take that lightly. … I’m fired up about it. I love a great challenge.”
Morgan is a first-time general manager, promoted from Carolina’s own front office, and Canales has made two huge leaps in less than a year. Following 13 years as a Seahawks assistant, he became a first-time coordinator and offensive playcaller with the Bucs last season. Now, a division title and a playoff win later, he’s suddenly a head coach.
The two spent seven years together in Seattle, going to two Super Bowls and winning one, and now they’ll work together to bring Carolina back to national relevance.
“Each of them brings experience from winning programs, and they share the same vision for our organization and are aligned on how they will get there,” Panthers owner David Tepper said in a brief introduction.
The challenge ahead of them is significant. Carolina went 2-15, finished last in the league in yards and points scored and 29th in points allowed. What’s more, they don’t have this year’s No. 1 overall pick, having traded it in a package to move up and grab quarterback Bryce Young with last year’s top pick.
Young’s growth and development are a franchise priority, and Canales’ work in the past two seasons, turning Seattle’s Geno Smith and Tampa Bay’s Baker Mayfield into Pro Bowl quarterbacks, provides hope that he can bring out more from Young in his second year.
“I want him to be the best possible version of himself,” Canales said. “That’s the same approach I’ve taken. ……
Source link : https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/new-panthers-gm-dan-morgan-coach-dave-canales-eye-quick-turnaround
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Publish date : 2024-02-01 17:16:39
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