5 Carolina Panthers who’ll benefit most from Matt Rhule’s removal

Scott Fitterer – Carolina Panthers GM

Although general manager Scott Fitterer was an influential part of the decision-making process, Matt Rhule had the final say on personnel decisions. Something that team owner David Tepper willingly put into his contract to keep him away from the New York Giants.

This was probably frustrating for Fitterer and a big reason why he’s avoided most of the blame. However, he now has a real opportunity to stamp his own mark on the Carolina Panthers provided Tepper remains confident in his abilities.

The owner conceded there needs to be a more traditional approach moving forward. Meaning the general manager builds the roster and the head coach molds them into a competitive unit.

Rhule ran the Panthers like a college program, which was his first and arguably biggest mistake. What’s important now is Carolina gives Fitterer the chance to appoint his own head coach and format a solid long-term plan to get this franchise back to prominence.

There will be no more Rhule to take the criticism if Carolina falters. But this is the time Fitterer must become front and center – something he looks highly capable of after generating an impressive reputation in league circles.

All that remains is for Tepper now to interfere all that much and let the football people make football decisions. It’s not that hard, really.