4 reasons the Panthers are not an attractive free-agent destination in 2022
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers have a ‘lame-duck’ head coach
Another thing that might put free agents off from joining the Carolina Panthers this offseason is the team’s coaching situation. Matt Rhule is reportedly seen as a “lame duck” head coach according to recent revelations from Joe Person of The Athletic during an interview with FOX Sports Upstate’s Game On with Richmond and John – not exactly ideal by any stretch of the imagination.
The reporter is more clued up about the organization than most. So this is not exactly a secure landing spot for any veteran player with a better option on the table.
"“There were coaches on staff, there were coaches that Matt Rhule wanted to bring in here and talk to like a Thomas McGaughey and a Pep Hamilton that viewed this situation as a lame-duck situation and didn’t want any part of it.”"
Rhule was under enormous pressure as things spiraled out of control in 2021. Fans, analysts, and former Panthers players called for the former Baylor man to be fired just two years into the role, but team owner David Tepper has obviously given him one final opportunity to prove beyond all doubt he can successfully lead an NFL franchise.
This might be seen as a vote of confidence by Tepper in his head coach. Even if the billionaire hasn’t stated his reasons for keeping Rhule around publicly as yet.
Carolina’s current predicament and Rhule’s status won’t go unnoticed by free agents. Something that could impact the team’s chances of finding the necessary reinforcements.