Grading Matt Rhule’s new coaching hires for the Panthers

James Campen and Robert Kugler – Carolina Panthers OL coaches

• Grade: B+

It’s no secret that the Carolina Panthers’ offensive line has been a mess for quite a few seasons now. Former OL coach Pat Meyer was fired at the end of the year and Matt Rhule brought in James Campen to take over, who brings a lot of coaching experience.

At 57 years old, Campen spent 15 years with the Green Bay Packers, including a decade as the team’s offensive line coach. He’s received some high praise from quarterback Aaron Rodgers and is widely respected across the league.

The fact that Campen spent years working with Ben McAdoo in Green Bay likely sparked his interest in taking the job even more. This is a hire that can only go wrong if the Panthers don’t properly build up their options across the protection this offseason.

Following his time with the Packers, Campen held the same position with the Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Chargers, and Houston Texans.

Also coming in is Ryan Kugler, who spent time under Campen in Houston and will continue his assistant role in Carolina. His youth should help bring another dimension to the coaching staff and if the necessary reinforcements are in place, then this could be a positional group that improves significantly in 2022.