Panthers head coach Matt Rhule lifts lid on difficult first month
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule has lifted the lid on his first month in the job amid the coronavirus pandemic.
It has been a baptism of fire for Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule in his first month in the role.
The former Baylor shot caller has been housebound for the majority of his time in Charlotte due to the coronavirus pandemic. This has made communicating with players difficult and adjusting to life in a new environment incredibly testing.
Speaking to the Panthers website, Rhule said:
"“Obviously, we didn’t plan for our first month together here as a family in Charlotte to be like this, to be at home all the time. Trying to make sure we have dinner together, making sure we go for walks together — those are things that some families can do that as a football coach you don’t always have the time throughout the season to get those things done.”"
Rhule has not been able to get any time on the field with his players due to social distancing measures to prevent the spread of the virus. With OTAs set to be canceled by the NFL in due course, the head coach will be waiting longer to get down to business instead of planning from the comfort of his own home.
"“In terms of the players, that’s the part that’s really hard for me. You take over a team, you can’t wait to meet the players. I miss that part of it. But at the end of the day, the most important thing is that our players are safe. “Obviously, as a first-year head coach, you’d love to get started with your team, but that’s just not the way it is. And there’s no reason to be upset about it. We’re going to do the most that we can, most that we’re allowed to.”"