Panthers Finalize 2026 Coaching Staff With Bevell, Carl Smith and Stukes

Overview

• The Panthers published their full 2026 coaching roster on Wednesday and confirmed three additions: Darrell Bevell as associate head coach and offensive specialist, Carl Smith as senior offensive consultant, and Dwayne Stukes as special teams and defensive assistant.
• Carolina adjusted internal roles to clarify responsibilities by promoting Mike Bercovici to offensive passing game coordinator and giving linebackers coach Pete Hansen the additional title of assistant defensive coordinator.
• Head coach Dave Canales said he brought in Carl Smith because Smith is a longtime mentor who influenced Canales’s offensive approach, and Smith also replaces Jim Caldwell in the senior advisory area.
• Dwayne Stukes arrives with long NFL experience dating to 2006 and a recent stint as the Denver Broncos’ special teams coordinator in 2022, adding depth to Carolina’s special-teams and defensive support staff.
• With OTAs set for late May on the team calendar, the reconfigured staff will immediately begin installing schemes, working with the quarterbacks and evaluating special teams ahead of training camp.