Which potential head coaching candidates could the Carolina Panthers look at if David Tepper cuts ties with Matt Rhule during the 2022 season?
Another demoralizing defeat for the Carolina Panthers in Week 2 has piled even more pressure on Matt Rhule. Nothing seems to be progressing as expected under the head coach, who’s led his team to a 2-14 record over the last 16 games and there is a real belief he might be removed from the equation in 2022.
Carolina’s schedule is brutal over the next five weeks. Something which might spell the end for Rhule unless he can somehow get the Panthers trending in the right direction.
David Tepper has remained steadfast in his support of Rhule. But everyone has their tipping point and unless the turnaround is immediate, it’s hard to envisage a scenario where the former Baylor man sees out his third year.
The Panthers cannot interview potential replacements from other teams until two weeks before the campaign concludes, according to new rules. But here are five potential short-term replacements if Tepper decides to end the Rhule experiment in-season.
Candidate No. 1
Carolina Panthers could promote Steve Wilks
David Tepper’s options would be limited if he decided to cut ties with Matt Rhule during the season. Perhaps the smartest move for continuity would be to promote a coach into the interim role and assess all possibilities before getting a head start on the process towards the end of 2022.
One primary candidate in this scenario is Steve Wilks. The defensive backs coach is greatly respected by his players, has previous head coaching experience, and is a leader of men that knows what it takes to succeed in the NFL.
This would also be a popular move within the fanbase. Something that shouldn’t be overlooked given how flat things are across the Carolina Panthers right now.