Seahawks QB Coach Dave Canales Lands Second Interview With Ravens
In this story:
After impressing in his first meeting with the Ravens, Seahawks quarterback coach Dave Canales has drawn closer to securing his first offensive coordinator position in the NFL.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Baltimore has requested a second interview with Canales for its vacant play caller role. He's vying to replace long-time assistant Greg Roman, who exited stage left earlier this month after four largely successful seasons with the franchise.
Canales, 41, played an integral role in Geno Smith's unexpected breakout season. Earning his first Pro Bowl nod after seven seasons as a backup with three teams, the veteran quarterback shined replacing Russell Wilson, throwing 30 touchdown passes while completing nearly 70 percent of his attempts and setting a new franchise record for passing yards.
Clearly, Canales' stellar coaching job with Smith didn't go unnoticed. With a second interview scheduled this week, the Ravens appear to have significant interest in teaming him up with star quarterback Lamar Jackson, who the organization will likely franchise tag if they don't agree to a long-term contract before the start of the new league year.
On the surface, Baltimore would be taking a bit of a roll of the dice hiring Canales, who has not been an offensive coordinator beyond the high school level when he started his coaching career at Carson High School in California nearly two decades ago. Since then, he's primarily been a receivers coach, the position he held in his first seven seasons with the Seahawks.
However, Canales has been heavily involved in Seattle's game planning process throughout his 13 seasons with the franchise, including serving as passing game coordinator in 2020 and 2021 under two different offensive coordinators. After climbing up the coaching ladder for more than a decade, he may be ready for the challenge of leading an NFL offense for the first time.
The longest-tenured assistant on coach Pete Carroll's staff, Canales departing would be a substantial loss for Seattle. If the organization wants to replace him internally, assistant quarterback coach Kerry Joseph would be the easiest choice for successor. Outside options could also be considered to team up with Smith, assuming he re-signs or receives the franchise tag to return in 2023.
Hey, 12s! Get your Seahawks Tickets from SI Tickets ... HERE!
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Seahawks? Click Here to subscribe to AllSeahawks.com's Newsletter.
Follow All Seahawks.com on Twitter and Facebook
Make sure to subscribe to our daily podcast @lockedonseahawks today! Click here To Listen.
Want even more Seattle Seahawks news? Check out the SI.com team page here.
