Could Michigan test Matt Rhule’s loyalty if Jim Harbaugh leaves?

Could the Michigan Wolverines be about to test Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule’s loyalty if Jim Harbaugh leaves for the NFL this offseason?

Just when it looked as if Jim Harbaugh might be staying in college, a recent interview request from the Minnesota Vikings could result in a path back into the NFL following a hugely successful spell at Michigan and the Miami Dolphins are also reportedly in the mix to secure his services.

This is something the Carolina Panthers will no doubt be keeping a close eye on, with speculation from Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports linking Matt Rhule with the Wolverines in the event their current head coach departs.

Although this notion was recently quashed by ESPN’s reporter David Newton, who stated Rhule remains firmly committed to the Panthers following the appointment of new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo, if Michigan does pick up the phone then it does make some sense, in all honesty.

Rhule’s methods haven’t really translated effectively to the next level as yet. His reputation as a program builder at Temple and Baylor got him the gig, but he’s finding out that much more is needed when dealing with grown men and elite athletes.

Another five-win season saw many wondering if Rhule would get a third year. But barring a dramatic change of heart from team owner David Tepper, it appears as if the billionaire is still confident in his appointment’s ability to turn things around.

There’s been plenty of speculation linking Rhule with college jobs of late. He even went as far as to say in pressers that he’s turned down approaches throughout the campaign.

Even if Michigan is interested in Rhule, taking the call and considering it should be enough to suggest he isn’t fully on board. And it could be the tipping point for Tepper, who won’t want the embarrassment of losing his hand-picked coach to the college system unwillingly.

Loyalty is a loose term when it comes to college coaches who move around. While Rhule is now in the NFL – which is considered the pinnacle – his methods are probably best suited to those looking to make their way in the game rather than established pros already at their peak.

Carolina Panthers should not take any Matt Rhule interest in Michigan lightly

There are plenty of dominoes that need to fall before this scenario becomes reality. Offering commitment when no real offer is on the table was easy – but turning down such a prestigious program to stay in a job you might not have for much longer if things don’t improve is another matter.

Should Rhule end up jumping ship, then there won’t be many fans shedding tears. But from a timing standpoint, it’s less than ideal with top head-coaching candidates securing roles elsewhere with every passing day.

Perhaps this will amount to nothing. Michigan might not even be all that interested in Rhule even if Harbaugh replaces Mike Zimmer in Minnesota.

It’s hard to believe a lot that comes out of Rhule’s mouth. And there aren’t many more scapegoats left after he fired four coaches to save his own skin.

Michigan is an established program that was in contention for a national championship this year before losing to Georgia in the college football playoff semi-final. It’s an attractive proposition with additional job security, which is a luxury Rhule doesn’t possess in Carolina.

That might be the biggest factor when it’s all said and done. If Rhule even contemplates this for a single second, it should the final nail in his Carolina coffin.