Canales’ Journey from Coach to Author | Durham News

Durham News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 7, 2026 · 1m

Dave Canales, newly minted Panthers head coach, is riding high on momentum after guiding the team to a playoff berth in his second season. He’s embracing the challenge of three primetime games as vital postseason prep and credits last year’s unexpected wins as proof of his team’s grit. From his roots as an offensive coordinator at Carson High School to his current role, Canales’ journey is fueled by a passion to mentor young athletes. On a personal note, he recently had skin cancer removed — a sobering reminder to cherish health — and co-authored a raw, heartfelt book with his wife, Lizzy…