Veteran offensive lineman Austin Corbett reflected on the Carolina Panthers’ recent season, noting the team’s progress from two wins to five and then eight, culminating in an NFC South championship. “We won the South, and yeah, it wasn’t how you dream of winning in the South necessarily,” Corbett said. “But it’s like, all right, the process works, and we got there for a reason, and we did right longer, and we made it. So that’s just where you gain confidence that your process does work.”
Head coach Dave Canales’ influence is evident as his phrases such as “do right longer” have become part of everyday language among players. Canales emphasizes consistent messaging with terms like “all about the ball” and “finish.” This shared language has contributed to building a unified team culture.
Running back Chuba Hubbard highlighted the trust Canales places in players, referencing their league-leading 27 fourth-down conversions this season. Hubbard commented on the slow development of team culture: “I mean, when you’re trying to build a culture, I think people expect those things to just come overnight, but culture is born and made over long periods of time through highs and lows of things and just consistency of continuing to harp on certain things. I think, yeah, you’re starting to see guys really buy into it and be the face of the culture in their own way, and then as time goes on, it’ll just get better and better in terms of that.
“I definitely think Dave’s a genuine guy. He’s a good person overall. He’s the same guy every day, doesn’t change, very optimistic and positive at all times, and I think that’s a good thing to have, especially the head coach.”
Wide receiver David Moore has worked with Canales across three teams—Seattle Seahawks, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and now Carolina—and sees continuity in his approach: “I wouldn’t say he’s changed anything about himself,” Moore said. “I’d say he’s changed this whole organization around, though, by being himself. He’s just steadily, consistently being himself every day. I’ve seen the change that he’s had around this building and in this community for sure.”
Moore added: “His thing is actually doing it instead of just saying it. Some people just come in and just talk. Dave came in and just walked. He just let all that he believed do the working and do the talking. He just kept walking.
“So I think just being a man of your word, man, that’s what he’s been since I’ve known him. Players can tell that, for sure, especially when it’s genuine.”
Canales inherited leaders like Derrick Brown, Chuba Hubbard, Jaycee Horn, and Bryce Young who were already committed to daily improvement before his arrival in January 2024.
Wide receiver Dan Chisena observed Canales’ steady demeanor: “I think the biggest thing for me is just his consistency. He’s the same,” Chisena said. “He’s steady regardless of situations… Win or loss, we still have to get back to work and approach the next week the same…and I think that’s the strength of his.”
Chisena also noted feeling respected by Canales despite not being one of the star players: “All I can say is any time I’ve spoken with him I feel respected and that I’m just as much a part of the team as a star player would be,” he said.
Long snapper JJ Jansen remarked on Canales’ growing role beyond play-calling: “What I’ve really seen…from Year 1 to Year 2 from Dave is he’s caring more and more about being the head coach and less…about being the play caller…the team needs a head coach.” Jansen praised Canales’ presence during special teams meetings—a practice uncommon among previous Panthers coaches—and his ability to connect with players across positions.
Jansen described how Canales’ message resonated during high-pressure moments last season: “Dave has been incredibly consistent with just play the next play; have belief,” Jansen said. “Dave always says he’s a dreamer…if we snap the ball one more time things are going to turn…”
Canales credits veteran coaching advisor Jim Caldwell for providing broader perspective: “He sees things from that 10,000-foot view,” Canales said regarding Caldwell’s mentorship.
When asked about personal growth as head coach entering his third year with Carolina—a franchise established as an NFL expansion team in 1995 based in Charlotte—the city where they host home games according to their official website—Canales emphasized listening skills: “It’s one thing to be able to listen…but then to translate it into tangible progress—that’s a challenge,” he said.
Defensive tackle Derrick Brown echoed praise for Canales’ steadiness: “When I talk about consistent people in life—I mean Dave’s that,” Brown said. “I don’t know if the man has bad days…he’s super consistent…our job as leaders on this team is to echo that.”
The Panthers compete in the NFC South division as part of their commitment toward building championship standards while maintaining community engagement throughout North Carolina—where they play downtown—and South Carolina according to their official website. The organization has recorded multiple division titles and playoff appearances, including notable achievements such as reaching Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2003.
As they look ahead following another postseason run after seven years without playoff qualification—players credit Canales’ leadership style for instilling belief within both veterans and newcomers alike.