Why Matt Rhule’s name keeps getting linked with top college jobs

(Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports) Matt Rhule
(Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports) Matt Rhule

Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule continues to hear his name linked with some prestigious college jobs, but why is that?

Although head coach Matt Rhule recently stated he has absolutely no interest in returning to the college system, that’s not stopped the rumor mill from spinning surrounding a man who developed a leading reputation for building programs back to prominence at both Temple and Baylor.

This was the primary reason why the Carolina Panthers chose him as the man to take over from Ron Rivera, with David Tepper giving Rhule a seven-year, $60 million deal to keep him out of the New York Giants‘ grasp.

Although it was deemed a solid and intriguing appointment at the time, there are growing concerns as to whether Rhule is the right man. This has come under the microscope more than ever over the last fortnight, with losses against the Washington Football Team and Miami Dolphins all but ending their playoff hopes at the worst possible time.

Rhule is also getting the final say on personnel decisions. So the Panthers quarterback carousel that started with Cam Newton went to both Teddy Bridgewater and Sam Darnold before going dramatically back to the former NFL MVP before Week 10 at the Arizona Cardinals is not a good look.

The last few days in college football have been nothing short of astonishing. First, Lincoln Riley bolted from Oklahoma to USC and this was swiftly followed by another bombshell as Brian Kelly swapped Notre Dame for LSU.

This has led to speculation regarding Rhule and whether he’d be tempted back to college with the Fighting Irish or the Sooners. Many respected analysts have thrown his hat in the ring, although there’s no concrete evidence to suggest either program is looking in his direction at this particular juncture.

When speaking on the USC vacancy in a presser recently, Rhule highlighted considers himself fortunate to be an NFL head coach in Carolina and left a good job at Baylor to make the next step.

"“I have one of the greatest jobs you can have. I left an unbelievable job at Baylor. You don’t get to say that you like to build and then be upset at what you inherited.”"

Now, this was a few weeks ago.

A lot has changed since then.

The Panthers are staring down the barrel of yet another losing season and nothing seems to be changing. If Rhule is having doubts about his own job security, there will never be a better time to walk away and save face than right now providing there is interest.

There aren’t many college coaches throughout history that made a successful transition to the next level when given the opportunity. Coaching methods with kids learning their craft is one thing, but that doesn’t fly with established veterans who’ve seen it all before.

Carolina’s loyal fanbase is growing increasingly frustrated with the product and the direction this team is heading. Judging by their current faith in Rhule, there wouldn’t be many tears shed if this eventuality came to fruition.

The fact he’s getting linked with college jobs says everything.

And not in a good way where the Panthers are concerned.

Only time will tell as to whether anything comes from it.

Schedule