Why Dave Canales hired his harshest critic

Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales has hired his former mentor, Darrell Bevell, as the team's associate head coach for the 2026 season. The two shares a professional history dating back to their time with the Seattle Seahawks, where Bevell famously challenged Canales to improve his organizational skills and attention to detail. This addition is part of a larger staff restructuring aimed at allowing Canales to focus on high-level leadership while relying on Bevell’s extensive NFL experience. Former coach Ron Rivera supports the move, noting that successful leaders need honest advisors who provide unfiltered feedback. Ultimately, the hiring reflects Canales' desire to bring proven expertise and accountability to his coaching staff.