4 things Panthers head coach Matt Rhule must do better in 2022
By Dean Jones
What things must Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule do better in order to alleviate some concerns about his long-term job status in 2022?
To say things have been trying for Matt Rhule during his two years as head coach of the Carolina Panthers would be an understatement. Things haven’t progressed as many had anticipated after team owner David Tepper gave the former Baylor man a seven-year, $62 million deal, something that’s resulted in just 10 wins so far and considerable pressure from outside the organization.
Rhule still has Tepper’s confidence and hasn’t lost the locker room just yet. All this seems to be working in his favor, but the stakes are tremendously high for real improvements when the 2022 season gets underway.
If encouraging signs are not displayed from a difficult schedule, then it might force Tepper’s hand despite talk of a five-year plan rather than the infamous Jay-Z seven-year approach since the 2021 campaign came to a conclusion.
With that being said, here are four things that Rhule must do better in order for the Panthers to thrive next time around.
Change No. 1
Matt Rhule must connect with the fans
There is a growing sense of disenchantment between the Carolina Panthers and their loyal fanbase. Almost every figure that formed a legendary bond with the organization is now gone, so the onus is on Matt Rhule and others to become better connected with those sitting in the stands at Bank of America Stadium.
Most fans are unhappy with the way Rhule has performed so far. Winning would be the best medicine, but the head coach has to find a better way to connect with the fanbase and get everyone singing from the same hymn sheet.
Considering what is on the line for Carolina in 2022, this will be needed more than ever. Whether it occurs or not is the big question.