New Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales reminisced about his first practice, receiving 'big brother' looks from assistants. Wide receiver Diontae Johnson was surprised to learn Canales was the head coach after a dinner. Johnson, traded from the Steelers, quickly understood his important role. Canales, known for his energy, shared a funny anecdote about Johnson not realizing his coaching position. The dinner took place at Steak 48. Canales, balancing draft prep and practice reps, drew on past draft experiences for the upcoming draft. Johnson's lack of awareness about Canales being the head coach sparked amusement among fans and media.
WR Diontae Johnson didn’t know Dave Canales was Carolina’s head coach after having dinner with him.💀 https://t.co/YrsYkREaBR
#Panthers WR Diontae Johnson had no clue Dave Canales was the team's head coach after having dinner with him the first time. 😂 https://t.co/cYSC9f3AFw
New Carolina WR Diontae Johnson didn't know this man was his head coach at a recent dinner. Maybe mug shots to draftees this weekend? https://t.co/aHTL6AOkm8 https://t.co/gW8yPLS7f7
Do you know who this is? New Carolina WR had an entire dinner with his new head coach and didn’t know it. https://t.co/XSdlXTgDiE
#Panthers HC Dave Canales took a walk down memory lane today with one of his favorite draft moments from his time in Seattle with the Seahawks. That moment has informed his draft process this year, and what he's looking for. THE Carolina notebook: https://t.co/cM74gEMGDp
Dig into Wednesday's minicamp notebook, which covers Dave Canales balancing draft prep and practice reps, what he actually told Xavier Legette, whether he actually knows which direction Providence Road goes, and more from players after practice. https://t.co/jc2hd22HuF
Dave Canales learned yesterday Diontae Johnson didn’t realize he was the Panthers’ HC when a small group of coaches went to dinner with Johnson after he arrived in CLT. Great response by Canales: https://t.co/XPqXb6UTNn
Dave Canales explains his side of the story — and adds another funny anecdote — of the Diontae Johnson dinner where Diontae initially didn’t know he was the head coach. Context: https://t.co/Gb1yyJsBe4 https://t.co/sVTgQIcSCU
Canales laughs, didn't realize when he took Diontae Johnson out to dinner that Diontae didn't know he was the head coach. "That's not the only time it's happened." Said at the combine, a prospect was asked who the head coach was, and the player picked OL coach Joe Gilbert.
The Diontae Johnson dinner was at Steak 48. Dave Canales said they had a great time. #Panthers
Dave Canales has been everywhere today. Here he’s shown watching the defensive ends. Right after, he runs a drill with the DBs. Yesterday, he was pictured by @theobserver’s Jeff Siner taking a handoff from Andy Dalton. Energy ⚡️ https://t.co/vFwPs4bDt1
Diontae Johnson admitted with a smile that he didn’t know much about Charlotte when he was traded from the #Steelers to the #Panthers in March. But the WR’s important role was made clear to him quickly: “You’re playing the X.” Story for @theobserver: https://t.co/kcmJz3NlmM
Diontae Johnson said he learned from Allen Robinson last year in Pittsburgh. He says he can learn from Adam Thielen, too. #Panthers
Diontae Johnson said he didn't realize Dave Canales was the Panthers' head coach when they went to dinner for the first time, in part b/c of Canales' energy. Told afterward he was the HC, Johnson said he was "so surprised."
#Panthers head coach Dave Canales reflective on first practice as a head coach. Reminded him of his first practice as a coach at Carson High School in California (his alma mater). Both teams wore black and blue. Got a lot of “big brother” looks from his assistants today. https://t.co/2z863T520M