The Carolina Panthers have added an experienced offensive play-caller to their coaching staff.
Longtime NFL offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Darrell Bevell has joined the franchise as Dave Canales’ new associate head coach and offensive specialist, a league source confirmed to The Charlotte Observer on Wednesday.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero initially reported Bevell’s hiring and position.
Bevell most recently served as the Miami Dolphins’ quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator under former head coach Mike McDaniel. He received two interviews with the New York Jets this offseason during the AFC East team’s offensive coordinator search.
Bevell, who turned 56 in January, has been coaching in the NFL since 2000. He served as the Seattle Seahawks’ offensive coordinator from 2011 to 2017, while Canales worked as a position coach for the NFC West squad.
In total, Bevell has 15 years of NFL offensive coordinator experience. He has served in that role with the Seahawks, Minnesota Vikings (2006 to 2010), Detroit Lions (2019 to 2020) and Jacksonville Jaguars (2021).
He’s also been an interim head coach twice — 2020 in Detroit and 2021 in Jacksonville. Bevell was 2-7 combined in those two temporary stints at the top.
The former Wisconsin quarterback has worked with a collection of successful quarterbacks during his time in the league, most notably Brett Favre, Russell Wilson, Trevor Lawrence and Matthew Stafford.
Bevell called plays for a top-five offense five times during his 15 seasons as an NFL coordinator. He won a Super Bowl, along with Canales, following the 2013 season as the Seahawks’ offensive coordinator.
In theory, given Bevell’s experience, he can provide another sounding board and play-calling voice for Canales in the offensive meeting rooms. Canales, Bevell and offensive coordinator Brad Idzik can work together to improve the unit’s standing in 2026. Bevell’s expertise in quarterback play should also be helpful for fourth-year QB Bryce Young as he enters the final two years of his rookie contract.
Last season, the Panthers finished 27th in points (18.3) and yards (295.6) per game. They were tied for 24th in first downs per game (18.0).