Panthers interim HC and special teams coordinator Chris Tabor not being retained by team

The Carolina Panthers informed interim head coach and special teams coordinator Chris Tabor Friday that he will not be retained for the 2024 season, per Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Tabor, appointed interim head coach after the midseason firing of Frank Reich, is out of a job despite having two years remaining on his contract. He is free to seek employment elsewhere, Schefter noted. Tabor spent the last two seasons as the team’s special teams coordinator before serving as the interim head coach for the final six games of this season. The Panthers went 1-5 under Tabor.

In addition to Tabor, offensive line coach James Campen is not being retained. Both Tabor and Campen were holdovers from Matt Rhule’s staff.

Carolina filled its head coaching vacancy Thursday, hiring former Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales. The 42-year-old spent one season in Tampa Bay, a season in which the Buccaneers won the NFC South and saw quarterback Baker Mayfield revive his career. The Buccaneers finished 23rd in yards per game (313.0) and 20th in points per game (20.5).

Panthers take a chance on Dave Canales

Prior to his season-long stop in Tampa Bay, Canales spent over a decade with the Seattle Seahawks across several roles. That includes two stints as quarterbacks coach from 2018-19 and again during the 2022 season. He spent 2020-21 as head coach Pete Carroll’s passing game coordinator. In fact, he followed Carroll from USC to the pros when he made the jump before the 2010 season.

That time he spent in Seattle saw him work alongside new Panthers president of football operations/general manager Dan Morgan.

“I’m excited to work alongside Dave again,” Morgan said. “His background coaching multiple position groups has given him a great understanding of what it takes to build a successful team. His infectious personality resonates with players and everyone who comes in contact with him. I’m confident that will translate to the field.”

The hire makes Canales the fifth Hispanic head coach in NFL history, following former Panthers head coach Ron Rivera, Brian Flores, Tom Flores and Tom Fears.

“Excited for what’s to come but right now just thankful for my time with the @Buccaneers! Amazing fans and organization,” Canales wrote on X. “Thanks to Coach Bowles, the staff and the amazing players that I was honored to work with! I’ll be rootin for ya 15 weeks out of the year! Thank You!!!”