Panthers fans hopeful for past success with new team leaders Dave Canales and Dan Morgan
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CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — The new man in charge of the Carolina Panthers introduced himself to the Queen City Thursday morning.
“I’m talking about today. I want to win today,” said new head coach Dave Canales at a press conference at Bank of America Stadium.
The former Tampa Bay offensive coordinator is changing his colors from red and pewter to black and blue — something he says he was hoping for.
“Just felt more and more like this was going to be a great home,” Canales said. “And I was hoping as they were sorting through the names that I would come out as one of the top candidates.”
The new coach’s enthusiasm has Panthers followers once on the fence over their fandom again excited for the new season.
“I kind of miss 2015 when Cam Newton had us in the Super Bowl, and the season was kind of lit,” said Panthers fan Cordelle Weathers. “I’m not from here, so I’m a fan of them because I live here. So it’d be nice to kind of have a team this year, for it actually to be not bad.”
Weathers says he didn’t know much about Canales’ history — only that he was previously with the Buccaneers and Seahawks, where he helped develop quarterbacks Baker Mayfield and Geno Smith.
But after watching the introductory news conference with General Manager Dan Morgan, Weathers can’t wait for training camp this summer.
“I’m hoping they’re willing to open up their pockets and get a ton of money in the city,” Weathers said.
Jamar Lambright feels the same way. Queen City News interviewed the Panthers fan when executives announced the head coach and general manager duo.
Lambright says he was over the moon to know a former Carolina Pro Bowler like Morgan was going to be the guy making front-office moves to make them better on the field.
“I’m excited about it because one, Dan Morgan is our GM right now,” said Lambright. “Love Dan Morgan because to me, that’s the original OG Luke Kuechly right there. I have love for Dan and his mind frame and how he thinks about things. I know that how he loves the team and is passionate about it.”
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