Grading Matt Rhule’s new coaching hires for the Panthers

Ben McAdoo – Carolina Panthers OC

• Grade: C+

When it was announced that former New York Giants head coach Ben McAdoo was hired as the new offensive coordinator of the Carolina Panthers, it was met with derision by large sections of the team’s fanbase who were perhaps expecting a bigger name.

McAdoo’s Giants team fell apart after a playoff appearance in his first season at the helm. He was subsequently fired and spent a few seasons out of the NFL before getting hired as the quarterbacks’ coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars two years ago and spent the previous campaign as an offensive consultant with the Dallas Cowboys.

The thing is, when you look at the realistic options that Matt Rhule had when making this hire, McAdoo might’ve actually been the best he could get. Even though there were reports circulating that team owner David Tepper wanted a “rockstar” coordinator to replace Joe Brady.

With Rhule on the hot seat and likely on his way out if things go poorly, not many coaches would want to come to the Panthers just for one year.

But with McAdoo, his career has already spiraled, and he desperately needs a bounce back. If he can turn around this Carolina offense, he will gain respect around the league again.