CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Panthers fans are celebrating the recent announcement of the new head coach, Dave Canales. The former offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will not only bring in a new era, but some Hispanic fans say his arrival means much more.

Erika Moulton holds two things close to her heart — her love for the Panthers and her Puerto Rican and Colombian heritage.

“Over here is part of the Puerto Rican Panthers flag that I had made for last season, this was the tank top that I wear along with this hoodie,” Moulton said, showcasing her apparel.

Moulton is a permanent seat license owner and a longtime member of the Roaring Riots club. She has been through it all with the team.

“We go to every single game, every season, and look forward to it every year. Good, bad, I’m always there,” she said.

With the announcement Thursday of Canales as head coach, Moulton is excited for a new era, one that she can personally connect with.

“He’s Mexican-American, and it’s great to see that we have that representation that, you know, we can see ourselves in him,” she said.

Moulton says Canales’ background will bring a surge of fans as he is the second Hispanic head coach in the franchise’s history and the only active Hispanic coach in the league. Ron Rivera, the Panthers’ coach in 2011-19, is also of Hispanic heritage.

“I believe that if Canales does a good job, more Latinos are going to come around and that’s going to be pretty awesome, he’s paving that way, he’s opening those roads,” she said.

Canales is signed to a six-year contract.

Moulton says she has high hopes for the next season.

“You got to think we’ve got nowhere to go but up from here. So we’re going to keep pounding and hopefully better days are ahead,” she said.