4 reasons to be positive about Carolina Panthers long-term future
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers get a head start on 2023 plans
Firing Matt Rhule after another demoralizing loss in Week 5 against the San Francisco 49ers was the right thing to do. The Carolina Panthers were going nowhere fast under his leadership and revelations from team sources in the immediate aftermath of his enforced departure painted an ugly picture of how things were being run behind the scenes.
This gives the Panthers a head start on planning for 2023 while also focusing on short-term improvements. Interim head coach Steve Wilks is getting a lengthy audition to win the job permanently and influential figures will also be scouring the NFL for potential interview candidates when permitted to submit their claims.
Not only this, but trading Robbie Anderson and Christian McCaffrey give others a chance to shine. Something else that will form a key part of their planning next spring and potentially beyond.
Whether it’s Wilks or someone else, Carolina will likely have a concise plan in place to get back into playoff contention by the time an official head coaching announcement arrives. Had they delayed the inevitable regarding Rhule, it could have caused complications in the team’s thought process.
Panic is the last thing Carolina needs right now. Having additional time to prepare for a frantic period in the New Year provides stability and calmness when needed most.