4 Carolina Panthers on the chopping block after Matt Rhule’s dismissal
By Luke Gray
Which Carolina Panthers players find themselves on the chopping block following the expected dismissal of head coach Matt Rhule?
The tumultuous reign of Matt Rhule was finally brought to an end on Monday when owner David Tepper relieved the head coach of his duties. Subsequent moves by interim Steve Wilks saw defensive coordinator Phil Snow and assistant special teams coach Ed Foley both let go, beginning a new era for the Carolina Panthers.
Wilks a native son of Charlotte now has essentially a 12-week interview period to put his name in the hat for the full-time role. The respected figure has head coaching experience, even if it was a harsh one-and-done situation with the Arizona Cardinals.
The former defensive coordinator under Ron Rivera has already made staff changes, promoting run game coordinator Al Holcomb to defensive coordinator. A role he held under Wilks in Arizona and should keep some sort of continuity between those in newfound positions of power.
It’s not only on the coaching staff where changes might occur. Much was made of Rhule filling his squad with Temple and Baylor players that might not be in the league had it not been for their relationship with the former college coach.
With these ties diminished in 2022 and now completely leaving the building, certain individuals may be looking over their shoulders in the coming weeks.
On this topic, here are four Panthers players who could be on the chopping block in the wake of Rhule’s departure.