When Matt Rhule and his glaring resume joined the Carolina Panthers in 2020, many believed that he was the man that was going to take the team to the promised land. At this point, however, to say that his tenure thus far has been a disappointment would be an understatement. As a matter of fact, word on the street is that Panthers owner David Tepper is already regretting his decision to spend so much money to fund Rhule's rule in Carolina.
According to Joseph Person of The Athletic, Tepper isn't exactly delighted with Matt Rhule right now:
Rhule was hired in Carolina in 2020 after overseeing quick turnarounds at Temple and Baylor, but sources say owner David Tepper is unhappy and embarrassed after the $16 billion hedge fund manager gave Rhule a seven-year, $62 million deal to outbid the New York Giants for his services. Tepper apparently plans to give Rhule a third year, with Rhule saying this week the owner had privately expressed “nothing but confidence about me and the future and moving forward.”
It doesn't sound like Rhule is fearing for his job at the moment. As a matter of fact, based on his statement above, it is clear that the 46-year-old shot-caller believes that he still has the full support of the big boss. Further reports could suggest otherwise, though:
But the three-month collapse after a 3-0 start has tested everyone’s patience, with one Panthers source characterizing the team’s regression in Rhule’s second season as “a clusterfuck.”
Now at 5-10, the Panthers are currently sitting dead last in NFC South and are set for another playoff-less campaign. To be fair to Rhule, there have been several external factors that have led to Carolina's disappointing season, but there's also no denying that he's played a significant role in his team's disappointing run.
The Panthers are coming off a 32-6 demolition job at the hands of Tom Brady and the defending Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That was their fifth consecutive loss.
The good news for Rhule here is that it doesn't seem like he's going to get fired anytime soon. He should be given another opportunity next season, which by the looks of it, could be his last.
Follow Us
Subscribe