End of the Rhule Experiment

October 11, 2022 End of the Rhule Experiment

By: Carlos Alvarez

Panthers Fire Head Coach Matt Rhule After 1-4 Start (11-27 Record in 3 Seasons)

After two-plus seasons and a .289 win percentage (11-27), Matt Rhule is already out in Carolina. The Panthers cut Rhule loose on Monday following a blowout loss to the 49ers (37-15). A 1-4 start to the season put Carolina dead last in the NFC South, and the quarterback carousel continues to be a problem. Rhule was a hot hire back in 2020, and the Carolina brass gave him a seven-year deal worth $62 million. The move came just six months after Panthers owner David Tepper said it could take five to six years to turn the franchise around.

 

Carolina’s Coaching Conundrum

Rhule still has four years left on the seven-year deal he signed in 2020, and he’s owed an additional $40 million. The Panthers failed to find consistency at the quarterback position during his tenure, delivering failed experiments with Cam Newton, Teddy Bridgewater, Sam Darnold, and Baker Mayfield. Mayfield has started all five games this season, but he ranks last (32nd) in total QBR. Carolina is 1-27 under Rhule when allowing 17 points or more, including 25 straight losses.

 

The Panthers rank 30th in QBR and 29th in points per game. The team also fired defensive coordinator Phil Snow. Steve Wilks has been named the interim head coach.

 

Additional Storylines

SI: Matt Rhule Leaves Behind a Giant Mess in Carolina

CBS Sports: Matt Rhule Firing Opens Door for Potential Panthers Trades

 

Photo: Grant Halverson / Getty Images