4 critical observations from the Carolina Panthers firing Matt Rhule

Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper is feeling the strain

One would be hard-pressed to find a more unpopular owner in the NFL than David Tepper right now. The Carolina Panthers owner infamously said after a 29-3 defeat to the Atlanta Falcons that he “wouldn’t stand for mediocrity”, but that would be an improvement based on how things have gone lately.

The 11-33 record since Tepper’s quote isn’t mediocre – it’s appalling. Through five games this season, the Panthers are the NFL’s worst team and currently hold the No. 1 overall selection.

Tepper’s actions with Charlotte FC prove he isn’t shy in wielding the axe, firing manager Miguel Angel Ramirez after just 17 games in charge when his relationship with the players broke down. After 37 games in charge, Tepper finally pulled the plug on what was a tumultuous reign for Matt Rhule.

A look into the stands at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday would have left Tepper under no illusion as to how fans feel about his ownership. Most were at the point where they no longer wanted to spend their hard-earned money to watch a product that has turned into a perennial loser.

Tepper finally cut his losses and fired Rhule on Monday morning. Moving forward it’s key that the billionaire gives Scott Fitterer control in finding a new head coach with Steve Wilks now having the opportunity to put his name into the hat long-term.