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

Steve Wilks – Carolina Panthers interim HC

David Tepper saw sense by starting anew with Matt Rhule’s firing. He also deserves credit for ignoring the current class-action lawsuit against the NFL and promoting Steve Wilks to the interim head coaching position.

Wilks comes with fine credentials and is a popular figure among the fanbase. His no-nonsense approach is matched by supreme leadership skills, so there will be no more accountability issues under his watch that’s for sure.

This is a difficult situation for Wilks. The Carolina Panthers have talent on both sides of the football, but success begins and ends with the quarterback as Rhule found out to his cost.

The impression made by Wilks at his introductory presser was tremendous. He’s already got a large section of the fanbase onside and if things go better than anticipated with some lowly expectations, the former Arizona Cardinals head coach might find himself in contention for the job long-term.

There is a lot of football to be played between now and then, which is a good thing for Wilks. He’ll get 12 games to stamp his authority and hopefully, make the changes needed to bring pride back to the Panthers.

Wilks knows the franchise like the back of his hand and what makes everyone tick. An ethos that was lost rapidly throughout Rhule’s tenure.