Grading Matt Rhule’s new coaching hires for the Panthers
By Jason Huber
Chris Tabor – Carolina Panthers ST coordinator
- Grade: A+
Former special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn was one of the few holdovers from Ron Rivera’s coaching staff when Matt Rhule was hired by the Carolina Panthers. It could be argued that he got one year too long leading the position group.
The hire of Chris Tabor is an excellent get for Rhule.
After years of coaching in college, Tabor became the Chicago Bears assistant special teams coach from 2008-10 and was the Cleveland Browns special teams coordinator from 2011-17.
From 2018-21, Tabor returned to Chicago for the same role and was an influential figure behind some outstanding production in the return game.
During those years, Tabor helped develop Pro Bowl special teams players Cordarrelle Patterson, Josh Cribbs, and Devin Hester. Providing the Panthers get themselves a reliable kick returner or develop sixth-round selection Shi Smith in the coming months, there is a high chance the new arrival can get the most out of an increased level of talent.
The Panthers have desperately been looking to improve its kick and punt return game for years. Tabor should provide some great experience and a proven track record for good measure.
This was a home-run hire by Rhule that could make a big-time difference when competitive action resumes again.