After a long search and multiple interviews, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have finally completed their offensive coordinator search. The team has hired former Seattle Seahawks quarterback coach, Dave Canales to fill the role.
Canales recently served as quarterbacks coach for the Seattle Seahawks, where he helped Geno Smith to his victory in NFL Comeback Player of the Year. Canales worked under Pete Carroll on and off for 13 years; firstly mentoring receivers but later becoming their passing game coordinator from 2020-2021. His guidance contributed immensely to the team’s success during this time frame.
Canales started his career as a high school coach in California and continued to move up the ranks from there.In 2006, he stepped into the collegiate coaching world and joined El Camino (Calif.) College. Initially serving as tight ends coach and special teams coordinator, Canales shifted to quarterbacks coach in 2007-2008. His tenure ended with two Mission Conference titles and a California Community College State Championship win under their belt.
Canales forged a strong bond with the head coach of USC Trojans, Pete Carroll while at El Camino College. In 2009, he then took on an assistant strength coach role for one season in USC under the mentorship of Coach Carroll. After Carroll’s selection as the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks in 2010, Canales eagerly followed him.
He then stayed with the team for 13 years and worked on their offensive side from different roles. From 2010 to 2017 he was a wide receivers coach, before moving up to become quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator during his last four seasons with them.
I have mixed initial reactions to the hiring of Canales for the offensive coordinator position. On one hand, I am excited to see how he coaches this Tampa Bay Buccaneers team with their already talented roster. His involvement in helping Geno Smith’s resurgence is promising for what he could bring to Tampa Bay.
On the other hand, I am wary of Canales’ lack of experience as an offensive coordinator and his reliance on Pete Carroll’s coaching style after spending 13 years with him. I am unsure that Canales will be a great asset to the team.
However, I am confident he will bring new ideas, knowledge and experience to the Bucs’ offense and will work hard to make sure they get the best out of their players. Only time will tell if Canales is the right choice for the team, but I’m excited to see what he brings to the table.
