Is Carolina Panthers HC Matt Rhule the right guy?
It’s hard to deny that the pressure has increased significantly on Matt Rhule‘s shoulders over the 2021 season. A promising start had many believing big things were in the team’s immediate future, which turned out to be false dawns given a concerning run of results after their 3-0 start.
Rhule came into the organization with a long-term vision. Team owner David Tepper gave the former Baylor man a seven-year, $60 million deal and the final say in personnel decisions, which indicates he was fully on board with what he heard from the man chosen to replace Ron Rivera.
However, some poor in-game adjustments and questionable decisions at the quarterback position over the last two years are holding the Carolina Panthers back.
All signs point to Rhule still being at the helm in 2022 – with Year 3 normally the time his college rebuilding programs showed the most growth – but Tepper will be monitoring every call and move extremely closely with the hot seat looming unless things take a dramatic step forward in the coming weeks.
Some sections of the fanbase have made up their minds about Rhule. The only way to alter this perception is by playing winning football and being consistent.
Firing Joe Brady isn’t going to solve all Carolina’s problems. Not by a long stretch.
What comes next will be a referendum on Rhule’s tenure as head coach. Although anyone looking for an immediate change in leadership might be disappointed.