Panthers head coach Dave Canales wore a bandage on the left side of his nose Tuesday at the team’s minicamp, revealing that he recently went through a procedure to remove skin cancer.
The procedure removed a small spot of basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer that begins in the basal cells and often results from exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight.
Two months ago, Canales said the team performed a routine skin cancer screening, which identified concerns on his nose.
“It’s a good reminder to not take these things for granted,” Canales said, via the Associated Press. “It was a basal cell type of skin cancer in a small spot, and they were able to get it off. So I’m really appreciative.”
The third-year head coach took the opportunity to remind others to undergo precautionary measures to possibly catch the cancer early, and mentioned how his mother had the same health condition when she was in her 40s.
Canales also said that due to his mother having the cancer before, he’s also been diligent about using sunscreen when outside.
“You can imagine a Southern California kid playing sports and then getting into coaching, right?” Canales said, via the Associated Press.
The 45-year-old has spent 16 seasons as a coach in the NFL, starting as the Seahawks’ wide receivers and quarterbacks coach before eventually becoming the Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator in 2023.
After helping Baker Mayfield revive his career in 2023, the Panthers hired Canales for their vacant head coaching spot in early 2024.
The Panthers went just 5-12 in 2024, but quarterback Bryce Young showed serious promise toward the end of the season, setting the stage for an improved 2025.
Even with an 8-9 record, the Panthers punched their ticket to the playoffs and won the NFC South under Canales in 2025 to earn their first postseason trip since 2017.
The Panthers open their 2026 season on Sept. 13 at home against the Bears.
