Panthers announce changes to their coaching staff, including three new assistants
The Carolina Panthers announced their 2026 coaching staff on Wednesday.
The new-look group features three new arrivals — including associate head coach Darrell Bevell and senior offensive consultant Carl Smith — working under Dave Canales.
The team also added Dwayne Stukes as a special teams and defensive assistant. Stukes has worked in the NFL since 2006, mostly working as an assistant defensive backs and/or assistant special teams coach. He served as the Denver Broncos’ special teams coordinator in 2022, which was his last job in the league.
Mike Bercovici was officially promoted from assistant QBs coach to passing game coordinator after receiving the bump earlier this offseason. Linebackers coach Pete Hansen also had assistant defensive coordinator added to his title.
Panthers’ 2026 head coach/coordinators
(Note: * indicates new to staff)
Head coach: Dave Canales
Offensive coordinator: Brad Idzik
Defensive coordinator: Ejiro Evero
Special teams coordinator: Tracy Smith
Panthers offensive coaching staff
Assistant head coach/run game coordinator: Harold Goodwin
Associate head coach: Darrell Bevell*
Quarterbacks coach: Will Harriger
Running backs coach: Bernie Parmalee
Wide receivers coach: Rob Moore
Tight ends coach: Pat McPherson
Offensive line coach: Joe Gilbert
Offensive passing game coordinator: Mike Bercovici (previously the assistant quarterbacks coach)
Panthers defensive coaching staff
Defensive passing game coordinator: Jonathan Cooley
Defensive line coach: Todd Wash
Outside linebackers coach: A.C. Carter
Inside linebackers coach/assistant defensive coordinator: Pete Hansen
Secondary coach: Renaldo Hill
Assistant linebackers coach: Mayur Chaudhari
Panthers senior/support staff
Special teams assistant coach: Daren Bates
Game management coordinator: George Li
Senior offensive consultant: Carl Smith*
Director of coaching development: Scott Cooper
Offensive assistant: Keyshawn Colmon
Offensive assistant: Dean Petzing
Defensive assistant: Ilir Emini
Defensive assistant: Kevin Peterson
Special teams/defensive assistant: Dwayne Stukes*
This story was originally published May 20, 2026 at 3:21 PM.
