4 primary scapegoats from the Carolina Panthers 2022 season

Matt Rhule – Former Carolina Panthers HC

When one examines the Carolina Panthers from 2022, there’s a clear correlation between Matt Rhule‘s stint in charge and the improvements made after he was mercifully fired. The former head coach was out of his depth almost from the moment he stepped foot into the organization, with a series of excuses, failed personnel moves, and a distinct lack of true NFL professionalism just some of the reasons why this relationship was doomed to fail.

Rhule lasted just five games this season, but the mess he left behind was substantial. Something that makes Steve Wilks’ immediate impact all the more impressive.

Players that weren’t buying in before are completely on board now. However, there was no remorse for his failings from Rhule’s point of view during his media availability after getting the Nebraska head coaching gig.

This was a stain on the Panthers. Rhule will go down as the worst coach in franchise history and the fact David Tepper gave him complete control of almost everything was a damning indictment of his initial naivety as an NFL owner.

Thankfully, the Panthers can now look forward to a bright future without Rhule. And the maligned figure is back at the college level, where his car salesman-like speeches hold more weight.

But in terms of scapegoats from this season and the two prior, there is only one man that should take the heat for Carolina’s latest underachievement. Even if Rhule probably won’t care or admit any responsibility whatsoever.