Journeyman Geno Smith Becomes Playoff-Caliber Quarterback Under the Guidance of Dave Canales, Now Head Coach of the Carolina Panthers
It’s a story that many thought was impossible just a few years ago. Geno Smith, once considered a journeyman quarterback with little potential, has now become a playoff-caliber player under the guidance of a young and dynamic quarterbacks coach. And now, that same coach, Dave Canales, has landed the coveted head coach position with the Carolina Panthers.
On Thursday, January 25th, the Carolina Panthers announced that Dave Canales would be taking over as their new head coach. This news came as a surprise to many, as Canales was not a household name in the NFL coaching world. But for those who have been following Geno Smith’s journey, this hiring makes perfect sense.
Just three years ago, Geno Smith was struggling to find his footing in the NFL. After a promising college career at West Virginia University, he was drafted by the New York Jets in 2013. However, his time with the Jets was marred by inconsistency and poor performances. He was eventually released and bounced around to a few different teams before landing with the Seattle Seahawks in 2017.
It was with the Seahawks that Geno Smith’s career took a turn for the better. Under the guidance of Dave Canales, who was the quarterbacks coach at the time, Smith began to show flashes of the potential that many had seen in him during his college days. Canales, known for his ability to develop young quarterbacks, saw something in Smith and worked tirelessly with him to improve his game.
And the results were evident. In the 2019 season, when starting quarterback Russell Wilson was injured, Geno Smith stepped in and led the Seahawks to a crucial win against the San Francisco 49ers. This performance caught the attention of many in the NFL, and it was clear that Smith had made significant strides under Canales’ tutelage.
But it wasn’t just on the field where Canales made an impact on Smith’s career. He also helped him develop a strong work ethic and a positive mindset, which are crucial for any quarterback in the NFL. Canales’ ability to connect with his players and understand their strengths and weaknesses has been praised by many, and it’s no surprise that he has now been given the opportunity to lead an entire team.
The Carolina Panthers have made a wise decision in hiring Dave Canales as their new head coach. Not only does he bring a fresh and innovative approach to the game, but he also has a proven track record of developing young quarterbacks into successful players. And with a talented roster that includes star running back Christian McCaffrey and rising star wide receiver DJ Moore, Canales has all the tools to lead the Panthers to success.
But perhaps the most exciting aspect of this hiring is the potential for Geno Smith to continue his growth under Canales’ leadership. With the Panthers, Smith will have the opportunity to compete for a starting role and showcase the skills he has honed under Canales’ guidance. It’s a full-circle moment for both coach and player, and it’s a testament to the impact that Canales has had on Smith’s career.
In a league where head coaches are often chosen based on their previous success or big names, the Panthers have taken a chance on a young and promising coach who has proven himself through his work with Geno Smith. And with this move, they have shown that they are committed to building a winning team from the ground up.
So, as we look towards the upcoming NFL season, all eyes will be on the Carolina Panthers and their new head coach, Dave Canales. And with Geno Smith by his side, there’s no doubt that this team will be a force to be reckoned with. The journeyman quarterback has become a playoff-caliber player, and now, under the guidance of his mentor, he has the chance to take his game to the next level. The future looks bright for the Panthers, and it’s all thanks to the QB whisperer, Dave Canales.