David Aaron Canales: From College Player to NFL Head Coach
David Aaron Canales (born May 7, 1981) is a prominent American football coach, currently serving as the head coach for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League (NFL). After playing college football at Azusa Pacific, Canales began his coaching career at the high school level in 2004, steadily progressing through college ranks at El Camino and USC. His most formative coaching period was spent as a longtime assistant with the Seattle Seahawks from 2010 to 2022, where he worked under Pete Carroll in multiple offensive capacities.
In 2023, Canales made a significant impact as the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, guiding them to an NFC South Divisional title and a playoff victory against the Philadelphia Eagles. This success quickly led to his appointment as the Carolina Panthers' head coach on January 25, 2024, signing a six-year contract. His journey reflects a dedicated rise through the coaching ranks, culminating in a top NFL leadership role.