Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales has begun to fill out his staff. Here’s a look at which holes have been filled and what each assistant coach brings to the Panthers:
Offensive coordinator Brad Idzik
Who is he: Most recently, Idzik was receivers coach in Tampa Bay, where Canales was offensive coordinator. He also worked with Canales in Seattle. Idzik was born in Durham and was a walk-on at Wake Forest. He’s a third-generation football man. His grandfather was a college coach, and his father is a former GM of the Jets.
What he brings: A consistent message. Unlike last year, when new coach Frank Reich and new offensive coordinator Thomas Brown had never worked together, Canales and Idzik should have a shorthand when it comes to communication and scheming. That should benefit quarterback Bryce Young who has heard enough different voices through his helmet speaker in his short NFL career.
Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero
Who is he: A promising defensive mind and two-time head coaching candidate for the Panthers, Evero served as defensive coordinator for Carolina last year. The team was able to retain him. Before Carolina, he was defensive coordinator for the Broncos and has also worked for the 49ers, Rams and Packers.
What he brings: Continuity. Evero’s defense was one of the few bright spots of last year’s team, and holding onto him was a big victory for the new head coach.
The rest of the defensive staff
Who are they: Keeping Evero means keeping his assistants. Returning to the Panthers in the same roles are linebacker coach Peter Hansen, OLB coach Tem Luakbu, DL coach Todd Wash, secondary/corner coach Jonathan Cooley, safeties coach Bert Watts, assistant DB coach DeAngelo Hall and senior assistant Dom Capers.
What they bring: Few changes on one entire side of the ball. That will allow Canales to let them do what they do and focus on improving the offense.
“I know the scheme (from) going against it,” Canales said. “I’m really excited to learn more about the ins and outs as far as how the calls come in, the adjustments and all of that. I just know it was really difficult on me for years, whether it was in Seattle going against the Rams in that family or this year just going against EJ (Evero) twice.”
Special teams coordinator Tracy Smith
Who is he: A veteran special teams coach with 15 years of NFL experience. He was coordinator for the Texans and has been a special teams assistant with the Niners, Raiders, Browns and Seahawks, where he worked with Canales for two years. His father is longtime assistant Carl “Tater” Smith, who is one of the game’s great characters and a respected quarterbacks coach.
What he brings: Experience. He learned at the foot of his father, and they served together on the Seahawks’ staff. He’s also built his own resume over the last decade and a half.
Assistant head coach/run game coordinator Harold Goodwin
Who is he: He held the same role with the Bucs for the last five years, where he worked with Canales. He also spent five years as offensive coordinator for the Cardinals and has coached offensive line for the Steelers and Colts.
What he brings: Like most coaches who got their start with the linemen, Goodwin brings energy. He’s known for his loud, aggressive coaching style. He also served as an adviser and sounding board for Canales in Tampa Bay and will likely fill a similar role for the first-time head coach.
Running backs coach Bernie Parmalee
Who is he: A former NFL running back for nine years with the Dolphins and Jets. He’s coached special teams, tight ends and running backs in the NFL and was most recently the Jaguars running backs coach.
What he brings: A blue-collar approach. Undrafted, he worked for UPS and a bowling alley while waiting for a chance in the NFL. He’s continued to have that outlook as a coach, taking over whatever area needs someone, giving him a wide base of experience in a short time.
Wide receivers coach Rob Moore
Who is he: An NFL wide receiver for a decade, Moore also has 11 years coaching receivers in the NFL, most recently with the Titans but also with the Raiders and Bills.
What he brings: He’s shown an ability to develop high draft picks, such as Sammy Watkins, Amari Cooper and Corey Davis, perhaps giving a hint as to where Carolina will look in the draft. He’s also helped revive veteran pickups, such as Michael Crabtree.
Offensive line coach Joe Gilbert
Who is he: OK, stop us if you’ve heard this before: He arrives from Tampa where he served in a similar role. He’s been with the Bucs for five years and also coached with the Cardinals and Colts.
What he brings: He’s used to working closely with Goodwin, and their chemistry should help with a line that was often the weak link on the Panthers’ offense.
Quarterbacks coach Will Harriger
Who is he: Most recently, he was quality coach and offensive assistant with the Cowboys. He’s also worked with USC, the Falcons and, of course, the Seahawks, alongside Canales. He spent time in Jacksonville, working with Trevor Lawrence, and he worked with Bryce Young while employed by a quarterback consulting firm when Young was in high school.
What he brings: Familiarity with the head coach and quarterback along with a track record of success that includes another No. 1 overall pick in Lawrence.
