LAKELAND, Fla.—Southeastern University football coach Adam Waugh announced the hiring of veteran coach Mike Canales as the program's new offensive coordinator.
Canales boasts nearly 40 years of experience, including play calling responsibilities at multiple NCAA Division I programs, has served as an interim head coach twice, and has coached in the NFL.
"I am thrilled that Mike Canales will be joining our staff," said Waugh. "He has an impressive resume with over 30 years of experience as an offensive coordinator and QB coach at the highest levels of football. Mike also brings a contagious enthusiasm and passion for developing young men that will make him a great fit within our program."
Most recently, Canales was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Bethune-Cookman University where he coached three players named to Phil Steele's All-SWAC Team. The Wildcats averaged over 144 yards per game on the ground and 221.5 through the air.
"I can't wait to get started at Southeastern University," said Canales. "Lakeland is a fabulous community, and the campus is beautiful. I am excited to get on the field with our players for spring ball and be a part of Coach Waugh's vision for a championship program. Coach is a man of integrity, values and has the determination necessary to bring a championship to Southeastern University. Being a part of his staff is more than an opportunity-it is a blessing."
Canales spent the 2021 season as a quality control coach on the defensive side of the ball at Maryland. The prior three seasons were spent as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at UTEP helping Kai Locksley as one of the most improved quarterbacks in college football behind only Joe Burrow of LSU.
He also has coached quarterbacks at Tennessee, USF, Arizona, North Carolina State, Pacific, Snow College, and BYU.
While at NC State, Canales was future NFL quarterback Philip Rivers' position coach. During the 2002 season, the Wolfpack won their first nine games for its best start in program history and were ranked as high as 10th in the Associated Press Top 25.
Canales then moved on to the professional ranks, coaching wide receivers under Herman Edwards with the New York Jets. Santana Moss was named to his first Pro Bowl and had the first of his four 1,000-yard seasons with 10 touchdowns that season, which ended up being the most of his 10-year career.
Additionally, he's served two separate stints as the offensive coordinator at USF helping the Bulls set multiple offensive records, reach as high as second in the AP Poll, and defeated six Top 25 teams. Canales has also stepped in as interim head coach during his time at North Texas in 2010, nearly doubling the team's scoring per game.
"I am looking forward to working with the staff and administration that values education, spiritual growth and the development of the student-athlete," said Canales.
The Fire posted a 6-4 record last season and averaged just under 30 points and 400 yards per game.
