By all accounts, you’d have a very hard time finding a single person who has a bad word to say about new Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales.
Carolina owner David Tepper raised a few eyebrows when he announced that he chose Canales to take over the Panthers.
But since that moment, numerous players and coaches who have crossed paths with Canales have come out and spoke glowingly about not just how great of a football coach he is, but how special of a person he is as well.
Panthers new head coach Dave Canales in the building!!pic.twitter.com/nq8vtwKdpw
— =͟͟͞Blande (@JustBlande) January 31, 2024
As it turns out, he had to battle some very tough demons to become the man he is today.
Interestingly, he has co-authored a book with his wife, Lizzy, detailing his previous struggles and his ongoing journey towards being the best husband, father and man he can be.
The faith-based book is titled: “This Marriage? The Question That Changed Everything.”
The Canaleses are brave, and obviously dedicated to making their marriage work. Cheers and best wishes to them. Such vulnerability is rare anywhere, especially in his profession.
— Just A Guy (@Panthersfan787) January 30, 2024
The book delves into the couple’s journey through tumultuous times, addressing issues of infidelity, addiction, and the path to healing.
Released in September 2022, the book paints a candid picture of Canales’ past struggles, including multiple affairs and battles with pornography and alcohol addiction.
New Panthers head coach Dave Canales thanking his wife is worth the watch pic.twitter.com/QPnbDkkunj
— Bussin' With The Boys (@BussinWTB) February 1, 2024
“A huge part in the severed intimacy that I was experiencing with Lizzy was because I was addicted to pornography,” Canales candidly admitted.
“It was like a gateway drug for me, creating pathways in my brain that allowed me to use sex coldly for my own benefit. It was a secret, silent struggle that I had years before I was married.”
Such a simple, but awesome and wholesome interaction
Jonathan Stewart: I love every thing that you said, every thing you're standing for… I'm in your corner, whatever it is that you need.
Dave Canales: Just love these men. Bring out the best in them. Appreciate you, JStew. pic.twitter.com/B1pj1v3Ivr
— Edgar Salmingo, Jr. ✌🏽 (@PanthersAnalyst) February 1, 2024
Canales opened up about the challenges he faced, revealing a pattern of bad habits and addiction that made resisting temptation difficult.
The confessions include infidelity dating back to his bachelor party, creating a hidden life that persisted despite his efforts to lead a faithful existence through church, Bible readings, and prayer.
“No matter how hard I tried by going to church, reading my Bible, and praying … I always had a secret, dark place that was just mine,” Canales confessed.
“From the start of our relationship, I was binge drinking and going out with friends, without Lizzy,” Canales wrote.
“Before I was ever unfaithful to her, I was already there in my mind. Bad habits combined with addiction made it hard for me to resist temptation. It was a pattern I knew well before we started dating.”
Just the #Panthers HC and a legend chatting after the presser
Dave Canales: The legend! The man, the myth… appreciate you.
Thomas Davis: Looking forward to the opportunity. If anything I can do to help you out…
DC: Mindset. Mentality. You know?
TD: *nods approvingly* pic.twitter.com/mGgH223RoB
— Edgar Salmingo, Jr. ✌🏽 (@PanthersAnalyst) February 1, 2024
Upon disclosing his infidelity to both sets of parents, his mother-in-law responded with a telling statement: “I never trusted you fully … I’ve told Lizzy that, and now I know why.”
The couple decided to share their story to assist others grappling with marital challenges. In the book’s preface, they expressed the desire to make others feel less alone on their journey towards a loving marriage.
“We wanted other people to feel safe starting this journey toward a vibrant marriage by helping them see they are not alone,” the couple wrote.
"She worked 3 jobs at times and told me the hard truths."
Dave Canales gets emotional thanking his wife, Lizzy, for being there every step of the way 💙
🎥: @Sheena_Marie3 pic.twitter.com/f9k4fnJwo8
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) February 1, 2024
The Panthers, who recently hired Canales, were well aware of his candid memoir.
The decision to bring him on board reunites Canales with Panthers new general manager Dan Morgan, with whom he previously worked from 2010 to 2017 with the Seattle Seahawks.
Canales’ experience in Seattle, particularly his role as passing game coordinator, played a pivotal role in the development of nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson.
The Panthers are optimistic that Canales can replicate this success by growing and developing quarterback Bryce Young.
"Play great defense, run the ball, great things come off of it. Be crazy about taking care of the football, that's the style of football we gotta play."
Had the chance to go 1-on-1 with #Panthers HC Dave Canales & GM Dan Morgan following their introductory presser. #KeepPounding pic.twitter.com/7KDi7Ig5I0
— Chase Justice WYFF News 4 (@ChaseJusticeTV) February 2, 2024
Credit to Dave and Lizzy for opening up and trying to help others.
Lizzy must be a special woman to stand by Dave’s side every step of the way and help him become the man he is today.
Getting back to football – What do you think about the actual hire of Canales as head coach of Carolina?
Will he help turn Bryce Young into an elite quarterback???
