4 major regrets for the Carolina Panthers during Matt Rhule’s tenure

Carolina Panthers gave Matt Rhule too much money and control

Team owner David Tepper clearly identified Matt Rhule as the guy to take the Carolina Panthers forward. He is a man that doesn’t take no for an answer, so a personal visit coupled with a phenomenal financial outlay convinced the former Baylor man to come on board rather than join the New York Giants.

Rhule ended up getting a seven-year, $62 million deal from the Panthers. A deal that reportedly irked many other owners given his lack of head coaching experience in the NFL and the ripple effects this might cause for future deals.

Not only this, but Tepper also handed Rhule full control over personnel moves. Something that has seen the team struggle to find the necessary fit at quarterback and other key positions.

This has led to some increased scrutiny and speculation over Rhule’s future. Even though Tepper is reportedly “unhappy and embarrassed” by the contract given to the coach according to Joe Person of The Athletic, it was not enough for the billionaire to cut this experiment short.

There has been a much more methodical approach to recruitment this offseason. A sign that maybe general manager Scott Fitterer is having more influence.

In fairness to Rhule, the drafts under his leadership have been good. But the simple fact is that we don’t even know if he can be a capable coach given everything else surrounding him in terms of personnel.

If and when Tepper does pull the plug on Rhule, he might be a little warier of handing such control and money out. Unless it’s for someone like Sean Payton, that is.