CARSON, CA, and CHARLOTTE — Ahead of World War II, Miguel Canales moved from Mexico to California, hoping to give his family and their future the American Dream. He joined general George Patton's troops and returned to Southern California after the war to begin Mission of Ebenezer—a bilingual church in Carson, California.
In 2024 his grandson, Dave Canales, became just the fifth ever—and currently only—Latino head coach in the NFL, with the Carolina Panthers.
In celebration of Latino Heritage Month, Dave Canales and his family—from Carson to Charlotte—share the importance of their heritage, what it means to be Mexican American and how it has shaped their lives.
View photos of Dave Canales during his storied career.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) talks to offensive coordinator Dave Canales before an NFL preseason football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales works before the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, in Atlanta. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers won 29-25. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales reviews the play sheet on the sidelines during an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, Jan. 15, 2024 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Doug Murray)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales works before the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, in Atlanta. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers won 29-25. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, left, prays with wide receivers coach Dave Canales, right, during warmups before an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) walks with quarterbacks coach Dave Canales, right, following NFL football practice, Thursday, June 14, 2018, in Renton, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Seattle Seahawks tight end Gerald Everett, left, talks with Dave Canales, right, Seahawks Offensive Passing Game Coordinator, during NFL football practice Wednesday, July 28, 2021, in Renton, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Seattle Seahawks tight end Gerald Everett, left, talks with Dave Canales, right, Seahawks Offensive Passing Game Coordinator, during NFL football practice Wednesday, July 28, 2021, in Renton, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
