Has Dave Canales been the best rookie head coaches in the NFL in 2025?

Coming off a 36-30 overtime victory against the Arizona Cardinals, the Carolina Panthers sit at 3-4 over their last seven games, after starting the season with a disappointing 1-7 record. During this stretch, the Panthers have faced some of the league's best teams—Kansas City and Philadelphia—while also being a thorn in the side of playoff hopefuls—Tampa Bay and Arizona. Compared to other teams with a rookie head coach, Dave Canales seems to be steering his team in the right direction. Is Canales the most impressive among the first-time head coaches in the NFL this season?

Canales met with the media to provide updates on the health of Cade Mays and Xavier Legette, while also expressing his desire to involve rookie TE Ja'Tavion Sanders more in the passing game moving forward. Julian Council assessed Canales' availability.

Additionally, a review of the Keys to Victory following the Panthers' win against Arizona. 

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