4 reasons why the Panthers didn’t fire Matt Rhule this offseason
By Dean Jones
Why didn’t the Carolina Panthers remove head coach Matt Rhule from the equation after a disappointing 2021 campaign?
Things unraveled quickly for the Carolina Panthers in 2021 after the team began the campaign so impressively. A 3-0 start against less than stellar opposition left many wondering if a tilt at the playoffs was in this team’s capabilities, but a disastrous run after brought yet another five-win year and more questions than answers about the direction of the franchise.
This inevitably piled significant pressure on head coach Matt Rhule, who was heavily criticized for personnel moves and also failing to adjust efficiently during games. Many were calling for a complete shift that would have left the former Baylor man out of a job, but team owner David Tepper decided to move forward with his guy rather than start over just two years into a bumper contract that comes with $62 million fully guaranteed.
While it wasn’t what the large majority of fans were hoping for, there might be a shift in approach this offseason. Rhule has spoken just twice in front of the media and – at least from the outside looking in – it appears as if general manager Scott Fitterer is now more influential regarding recruitment.
It’s hard to put into words just what’s at stake for Rhule next season. More of the same failings could leave Tepper with no option other than a total reset, which was not what the billionaire envisaged when he went all-in to prevent his choice from taking over at the New York Giants.
With that being said, here are four reasons why the Panthers opted not to fire Rhule this offseason.