JUST IN: SEATTLE SEAHAWKS HAS ANNOUNCE THERE NEW COACH ON FRIDAY NIGHT…………

NFL linebacker Morgan was chosen by the Panthers with the eleventh overall choice in the 2001 draft. After 59 games, his career was cut short by injuries, several of which included concussions.

Canales, 42, coached quarterbacks for the Seattle Seahawks, where he was a coworker of new Panthers general manager Dan Morgan. He most recently served as offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2023 season.

Together, Canales and Morgan advanced through the professional levels after being recruited by the Seahawks in 2010.

With three interim coaches, Canales is the team’s seventh head coach since owner David Tepper acquired it in 2018. Following the dismissal of first-year coach Frank Reich, Chris Tabor concluded the previous campaign as an interim coach. After Matt Rhule was fired as interim coach in 2022, Reich was hired. Ron Rivera was to be replaced by Rhule, Tepper’s choice; Perry Fewell filled in as interim coach at this time.

“Success is the foundation of Dave’s background,” Tepper said in a statement. He gets along well with players and staff because of his creative thinking and upbeat demeanor. His ability to bring out the best in players has pleased us.”

Last season, Carolina had the poorest record in the NFL (2-15), and they were rated 32nd in terms of passing (161.2 ypg) and overall offense (265.3 yards per game). The Panthers and the New England Patriots were tied for worst place in terms of points per game (13.9).

The Panthers are reportedly trying to retain as many members of their defensive staff as possible.

Canales joined the Seahawks in 2010 as an offensive quality control coach after serving as an assistant strength coach at Southern California. He went on to become the passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach. In addition to receiving extra praise for getting a career year out of former Panthers failed revival project Baker Mayfield in 2023, he was credited with bringing back the career of Geno Smith, a Pro Bowl selection with 4,282 throwing yards in 2022. With 4,044 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and a 64.3 completion %, Mayfield recorded his best-ever performance.

At no level, Canales has held the position of head coach. Along with Rivera, he becomes the fifth head coach in league history and the only active Hispanic head coach in the NFL.

The Panthers selected Morgan, an NFL linebacker, with the 11th overall pick in the 2001 draft. His career was ended after 59 games due to injuries, including many concussions.