Panthers, Dave Canales ask to interview Bucs assistant Brad Idzik
TAMPA — Dave Canales could raid the Bucs coaching staff for at least one assistant as the Panthers’ new head coach.
Carolina has asked permission to interview Tampa Bay receivers coach Brad Idzik for its offensive coordinator position, although Canales likely will serve as the Panthers’ play-caller.
Idzik and Canales worked together with the Seahawks before joining the Bucs’ staff this past season.
Idzik was instrumental in helping receiver Mike Evans enjoy one of the best seasons of his career. He made 79 receptions for 1,255 yards and 13 touchdowns, tying the Dolphins’ Tyreek Hill for most in the NFL. Evans was selected to the NFC squad for the Pro Bowl.
Receiver Chris Godwin produced his third straight, 1,000-yard season and the fourth of his career. He had 83 receptions for 1,024 yards and two touchdowns.
Following the season-ending knee injury to No. 3 receiver Russell Gage in training camp, Idzik helped develop rookie Trey Palmer, who had 39 receptions for 385 yards and three scores. Palmer stood out with three catches for 88 yards in the playoffs, including a 56-yard touchdown in the wild-card win over the Eagles.
Idzik joined the Seahawks in 2019 as an assistant receivers coach and spent four years with Canales in Seattle before following him to Tampa Bay to become a first-time receivers coach with the Bucs.
Idzik is the son of former Bucs assistant general manager and former Jets general manager John Idzik, who still lives in Palm Harbor, where Brad grew up and attended school.
Idzik isn’t the only member of Todd Bowles’ staff that could be on the move. The Las Vegas Raiders and Buffalo Bills have asked permission to interview quarterbacks coach Thad Lewis.
• • •
Sign up for the Sports Today newsletter to get daily updates on the Bucs, Rays, Lightning and college football across Florida.
Never miss out on the latest with your favorite Tampa Bay sports teams. Follow our coverage on Instagram, X and Facebook.
