Panthers ignoring the red flags, plan on keeping Matt Rhule

Despite the poor record two years in, the Carolin Panthers do not plan on moving on from head coach Matt Rhule.

Matt Rhule was hired by the Carolina Panthers two years ago to replace longtime head coach Ron Rivera. He was met with much fanfare, considering his success in college. But two years into his tenure, Rhule is 10-22 in the NFL. Despite this, his job is not in danger.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Panthers are expected to retain Rhule as head coach heading into next season. Fowler continues, saying that Rhule will be looking for a new offensive coordinator.

Panthers reportedly expected to retain Matt Rhule as head coach in 2022

Carolina has an offensive coordinator vacancy after Rhule fired Joe Brady during the team’s bye week. That came as a bit of a shock, considering Brady was the passing game coordinator for the National Champion LSU Tigers team in 2019 and received head coaching interest in the NFL ahead of the 2021 league year.

Rhule had solid success as head coach of Temple (2013-16) and Baylor (2017-19), holding an overall record of 47-43. That caused him to be a top candidate at the NFL level, where he was heavily linked to the New York Giants. But, he met with Panthers owner David Tepper and was offered a seven-year, $62 million contract, which the Giants reportedly opted against matching.

The Panthers have been plagued on the offensive side of the ball, with running back Christian McCaffrey missing extended periods of time due to numerous injuries and their quarterback carousel. Carolina has yet to find a solid option at the signal-caller position, with the Teddy Bridgewater signing in 2020 and the trade for Sam Darnold in 2021 not panning out as expected.

Regardless of the struggles, all signs point to Rhule returning in 2022.