Panthers Owner Sends Strong Message on Dave Canales Before Week 1

After going 8-9 last season, with a trip to the playoffs, the Carolina Panthers are excited to see what the 2026 season brings them.

Carolina exceeded expectations a year ago, and now they will be trying to get back to the postseason. Bryce Young is still under center for this team, and he has a lot of pressure on him coming into the year.

Young has dealt with all sorts of criticism throughout his NFL career, mainly stemming from inconsistency on the field. But if he can put it together this year, the Panthers could be a contender in the NFC again.

If he can't, the Panthers may be looking for a new quarterback next season. But for now, Young will be given the keys to the offense, while Carolina hopes for the best.

Before the new year kicks off for the Panthers, owner David Tepper addressed the job done by the coaching staff, namely Dave Canales. Tepper discussed Canales, president of football operations and general manager Dan Morgan, and Executive Vice President of Football Operations Brandt Tillis.

“I do think we're on the right track, and I do think we have very good people here in Dan [Morgan], and Dave [Canales], and Brandt [Tilis]… I trust them. I don't feel the need to be around as much here because I trust them so much," Tepper said.

Tepper also said that he believes the franchise is making progress entering the season. 

“We're making progress, we're going to continue making progress,” Tepper said. “I believe in a winning season this year.”

The Panthers' only goal is to get back to the postseason, building on the success from last year. But the comments from Tepper have to give confidence to the entire team heading into the season.

Tepper doesn't typically speak to the media, so his comments tend to hold weight whenever it does happen. The owner having confidence in the roster is huge, and he is looking forward to a strong year from this group of players.

If Carolina can continue to build toward getting better, the sky could be the limit for this franchise. Much of the success will be placed on the shoulders of Young, but the Panthers seem to have full belief that he is the leader of this team.

The Panthers will be opening the season against the Chicago Bears, setting up a matchup between two playoff teams from a year ago.