Matt Rhule – Carolina Panthers HC
Aside from the bizarre statements in front of the media and talk of the process, the main thing that drives fans crazy about Matt Rhule is the team failing to meet even lowly expectations. The Carolina Panthers lost 12 of their final 14 games in 2021 after starting the campaign 3-0, which came with many calls for team owner David Tepper to go in a different direction after just two years with the former Baylor man running the show.
Rhule’s personnel decisions haven’t been up to the required standard in key positions. His inability to make adjustments in-game is another element that’s been glaring throughout his tenure to date, but Tepper gave his guy a reprieve and provided a public vote of confidence just before the 2022 NFL Draft.
Carolina kept Rhule away from the spotlight during the offseason, letting general manager Scott Fitterer go front and center. However, this does not take away the microscope ahead of what is a make-or-break season.
For all his failures, it does not appear as if Rhule has lost the locker room just yet. Couple this with Tepper’s support and his strong working relationship with Fitterer, and it’s not hard to see why he’s been handed one more opportunity.
Convincing most fans who’ve already seen enough that he is the right man for the job will be difficult. But if the Panthers start winning, then all hope might not be lost.