Meeting one-on-one with the newly appointed head coach of the Carolina Panthers, Dave Canales, on WRALSportsFan.com.

Meeting one-on-one with the newly appointed head coach of the Carolina Panthers, Dave Canales, on WRALSportsFan.com.

Chris Lea from WRAL interviews Dave Canales, the recently introduced head coach of the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday.

I am currently with the newly appointed head coach of the Carolina Panthers, Dave Canalis. We are eager to witness your plans for the team. Your journey in the NFL began when Pete Carroll gave you a chance. What was it like starting a relationship with him? What did he see in you to give you this opportunity to make the jump to the NFL? I was a part of his high school camps when I was a coach at a junior college. These camps were filled with energy and focused on teaching and working together. He could sense that this was my style. When he had the chance to hire me in 2009, I joined his staff at USC and have followed him to Seattle, holding various job titles. He has been a great mentor, providing encouragement and challenging conversations along the way. I am grateful for his support as I embark on my first head coaching role. Your energy seems to be on par with his, which will be welcomed as you begin your journey as head coach. When looking back at last year’s games against the Carolina Panthers, what aspects of their offense impressed you and what do you hope to build upon? I noticed a commitment to the running game and simple tools for the quarterback, which I believe can lead to growth. I am excited to find potential and maximize the resources we have. Have you had the chance to try local favorites like cookout and Bojangles since arriving in North Carolina? No, I have only been here for a few days. I have tried some local food after games in the past, but I am looking forward to trying more.

Source: wralsportsfan.com