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Geno Smith reacts to Buccaneers hiring Dave Canales as Offensive Coordinator

What does Smith think about his former position coach moving on to Tampa Bay?

Dustin Lewis

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are making a plethora of coaching changes this offseason in the hope that the franchise will bounce back in 2023 under head coach Todd Bowles.

On Thursday, the Buccaneers officially announced former Seattle Seahawks quarterbacks coach Dave Canales as their next offensive coordinator. Canales will be replacing Byron Leftwich, who originally joined Tampa Bay in 2019 but saw his unit regress significantly this past season.

READ MORE: Report: Buccaneers Eyeing 2-Time Super Bowl Winning Quarterback as Replacement for Tom Brady

This will be the first time that Canales has not worked under Seattle head coach Pete Carroll during his career as an NFL assistant. He's been with the Seahawks since 2010 in a variety of roles that include wide receivers coach (2010-17), quarterbacks coach (2018-19, 2022), and passing game coordinator (2020-21).

Veteran quarterback Geno Smith put together a breakout campaign in 2022 under Canales's guidance. Following the news that Canales would be moving on to Tampa Bay, Smith provided a simple reaction that displays his respect for the coach.

"Well deserved!!"

After spending nine years with four different franchises, Smith put together a career year in 2022. He led the NFL in completion percentage and ended up earning the first Pro Bowl nod of his career along with being named Comeback Player of the Year. The Seahawks finished 9-8 and qualified for the postseason as Smith completed 69.8% of his passes for 4,282 yards with 30 touchdowns to 11 interceptions. He also added 366 yards and a score on the ground.

The Buccaneers are hoping that Canales will be able to groom another quarterback to the same success in Tampa Bay. At this point, the franchise only has Kyle Trask under contract.

READ MORE: Tom Brady's father has an interesting reaction to his son walking away from football after 23 years

Stick with BucsGameday for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the 2023 offseason.

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Dustin Lewis
DUSTIN LEWIS

Lewis joined BucsGameday when it was founded in 2022. He's also the Editor-In-Chief of NoleGameday. A graduate of Florida State, Lewis has worked for NG since 2016.