Dave Canales is the current head coach of the NFL’s Carolina Panthers. The 44-year-old was born in Harbor City, California, on May 7, 1981. He has been married to Lizzy Canales (née Henderson) since 2006. The couple has four children: Ashby, Benjamin, Beatrice, and Amaya.
Canales and his wife co-authored a faith-based marriage book in 2022 titled “Marriage: The Question That Changed Everything.“
Canales began his career as an athlete at Carson High School, where he played as a quarterback, wide receiver, and safety. He also participated in track and field and baseball. He was a wide receiver for Azusa Pacific University, graduating in 2003 with a degree in business administration.
He switched to coaching in 2004. He has led multiple teams, including the Seattle Seahawks, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and now the Carolina Panthers.
Dave Canales’s Salary
Canales earns an estimated $2-5 million per year coaching the Carolina Panthers under his six-year contract signed in January 2024.
What is Dave Canales’s Net Worth in 2026?
According to multiple sources, Canales has an estimated net worth of $2-5 million. A major part of his total earnings comes from his coaching contracts with the Seattle Seahawks, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Carolina Panthers. The rest is earned from his book, co-authored with his wife, and endorsement deals.
Dave Canales’s Contract
Canales signed a six-year contract with the Carolina Panthers on January 25, 2024. The deal is believed to pay him between $2 and $5 million annually.
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Dave Canales’s Coaching Career
Carson High School (2004-2005)
Canales began his coaching career at his alma mater, Carson High School, in 2004 as an offensive coordinator.
El Camino College (2006-2008)
Canales joined El Camino College in California as a special teams assistant coach in 2006. He spent three seasons in this role.
University of Southern California (2009)
In 2009, Canales was hired by the University of Southern California as an assistant strength and conditioning coach.
Seattle Seahawks (2010-2019)
Canales began his NFL coaching career in 2010 with the Seattle Seahawks under head coach Pete Carroll as an offensive quality control coach. In his first season, the Seahawks defeated the defending Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints in the playoffs.
From 2013 to 2014, Canales was promoted to assistant quarterbacks and offensive quality control coach. In his first Super Bowl season (2013), Canales contributed to the Seahawks’ dominant defensive unit and Super Bowl XLVIII victory. He was the first Azusa Pacific graduate to participate in a Super Bowl.
From 2015 onwards, Canales was promoted to assistant offensive coordinator. He spent 13 seasons with Pete Carroll’s organization.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2023)
In 2023, Canales was hired by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as offensive coordinator. Under him, Mayfield threw for a career-high 4,044 passing yards and 28 touchdowns in 2023, leading the Buccaneers to the NFC South title with a 9-8 record.
Carolina Panthers (2024-Present)
On January 25, 2024, Canales was hired as head coach of the Carolina Panthers on a six-year contract, just days after the Buccaneers’ playoff run. In his inaugural season (2024), he posted a 5-12 record.
In his second season (2025), Canales’ Panthers improved to 8-9 and captured the NFC South division title, their first since 2015. The team made the playoffs for the first time since 2017, snapping an eight-year postseason drought.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many Super Bowls did Dave Canales win?
Dave Canales has won one Super Bowl as an assistant coach. He was part of the Seattle Seahawks organization that won Super Bowl XLVIII in the 2013 season, defeating the Denver Broncos 43-8.
What is the average salary of an NFL coach?
The average salary of an NFL head coach is around $6.6 million annually. Top earners include the Chiefs HC Andy Reid, the Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh, and the Giants HC John Harbaugh, each earning approximately $20 million per year.
Is Dave Canales married?
Dave Canales is married to Lizzy Canales (née Henderson). The couple met at Azusa Pacific University while both were students there and married in 2006. They have four children together: Ashby, Benjamin, Beatrice, and Amaya. The couple co-authored a faith-based marriage book titled “Marriage: The Question That Changed Everything” in 2022.
How much do NFL assistant coaches make?
NFL assistant coaches make around $5.5 million every year on average. However, offensive coordinators often earn more, typically ranging from $1.5-3 million annually, depending on experience and track record. Dave Canales earned approximately $1-2 million as Tampa Bay’s offensive coordinator before being promoted to head coach.
Does Dave Canales have a degree?
Dave Canales has a degree in business administration. He graduated from Azusa Pacific University in 2003, where he played wide receiver for the Cougars.
