Losing takes a toll on coaches’ families, too, Bucs’ Dave Canales says
TAMPA ― Dave Canales is a first-year offensive coordinator. So, despite spending 14 years in the NFL as an assistant coach, the personal scrutiny has ramped up this season.
That’s especially true after watching the Bucs lose six of their past seven games. Canales has heard the criticism, but so have his wife and four children.
Sometimes, he said Thursday, it’s much harder on the families of coaches.
“This is the first time where, really, my wife and my kids, you know they go to school, and they’ve got a bunch of friends who watch Bucs football and are Bucs fans,” Canales said.
“Usually, people are pretty gracious. But kids can be brutal. So, we’re learning about that and we really just take an honest approach to it.
Canales said he’s had honest conversations with his kids, who have a good perspective. His 13-year-old daughter informed him a classmate wasn’t his biggest fan.
“She said, ‘Dad, this boy said you suck at school,’” Canales said. “I was like, ‘Sometimes. Sometimes not, though. I feel like there’s some good calls in there, too. Please, let’s just not look at all bad ones.’ But being able to be light about it is important.”
Canales’ offense has shown some improvement, especially in the running game, the past couple of games. Rachaad White rushed for 100 yards on 15 carries last week at Indianapolis, the first time he has reached the century rushing mark this season.
The Bucs offense ranks 22nd in total yards, 31st in rushing yards per game (81.3) and is tied for 23rd in scoring.
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