Has Dave Canales been the best rookie head coach in the NFL in 2025?

Coming off a 36-30 overtime victory against the Arizona Cardinals, the Carolina Panthers sit at 3-4 over their last seven games, after starting the season with a disappointing 1-7 record. During this stretch, the Panthers have faced some of the league’s best teams—Kansas City and Philadelphia—while also being a thorn in the side of playoff hopefuls—Tampa Bay and Arizona. Compared to other teams with a rookie head coach, Dave Canales seems to be steering his team in the right direction. Is Canales the most impressive among the first-time head coaches in the NFL this season?

Canales met with the media to provide updates on the health of Cade Mays and Xavier Legette, while also expressing his desire to involve rookie TE Ja’Tavion Sanders more in the passing game moving forward. Julian Council assessed Canales’ availability.

Additionally, a review of the Keys to Victory following the Panthers’ win against Arizona.

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16 comments

  3. I also am happy we won. I also wish to say I simply do not get excited watching Bryce play. The most excited he ever has made me feel was hitting that defender vs. Cardinals. Had been hoping he would eventually show some power or willingness to take a hit.

  7. Losing to TB would be ok as long as we put up a fight, but we gotta handle ATL in a decisive manner to put a stamp on things. Losing both badly would leave too many questions unanswered…again.

  8. Crazy how much a W can make an impact. Canales didn’t use a single TO in the second half; he didn’t try to hardcount them on 4th & 2, he didn’t try to ice the kick that moved us to OT. I was losing my mind lol, if we had lost, completely different kind of ‘signature’ game for him I think

  9. Why is there more questions about Bryce Young’s future and not Drake Maye? I just don’t get that sentiment which is not unique to this podcast. Maye is a rookie on a bad team but has looked the part of a franchise qb. Young is a second year qb who , after a bad start to the season, looks the part of a competent nfl starting qb. Why is there questions about his long term future with the panthers? He was the #1 pick and is playing well on a bad team. Isn’t he progressing as one would expect? Someone please explain bc at this point I roll my eyes when I hear this tired narrative.

  10. As a Chargers fan who is a dating the Panthers girl at work I’m tired of the euphemism for Bolt Up and Keep Pounding. It was funny the first 20 times but now I’m done. As for the title the answer is no. You can’t pin this on a guy under .500.

  16. I’ve been really impressed with the turnaround ever since the Saints game, we’ve been playing some good football and we’ve shown signs of big improvements. Bryce and the offense have been good and it’s been enjoyable to watch 🙌🏻

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