Mike Greenberg says he's not surprised by the firing of Matt Rhule, then wonders if he'll return to the college ranks. There is a time and a place for it. Less than three seasons into a seven-year, $62 million contract, Matt Rhule was fired by the Carolina Panther's. Steve Wilks was named the interim head coach. Rhule had a record of 11-27, with one win this season. He began each of his three seasons with a different starter because the team couldn't find a franchise quarterback. After five games of any starter, Baker Mayfield has the lowest Total QBR of any of them. Rhule was hired in 2020 to turn around a Carolina organization that had failed to reach the Super Bowl in five years. That didn't happen. How did this happen, and what should we expect from the rest of the year? DavidNewton and Jeremy Fowler are reporters for the Carolinas. David Tepper didn't like that Bank of America Stadium was overrun by a sea of 49ers fans on Sunday. He's a business person. It was almost made something that had to happen from a business standpoint. It was easy because Tepper had two former head coaches on his staff. Carolina's biggest problem has been the offense, which is ranked last in the NFL. It makes sense because it gives Rhule a chance to find a college job and possibly takes Tepper off the hook for some of the money owed when he gave Rhule the seven-year, $62 million deal in January of 2020. Again, Tepper is a business person. Donte Jackson said that the locker room was behind Rhule. The players were held accountable for their play. One former football player told me that Rhule's college approach didn't work, as it relied on discipline and control. The defense, which ranked second in the league in 2021 and was playing at a level capable of winning for most of the first five games, has a lot of young talent. Through five games, the same group on the rebuilt offensive line has played every single snap. He is an elite running back. Rhule might have survived if it wasn't for the poor play by the receiver and the quarterback. This could be an attractive spot for a new coach because the team has plenty of cap room and Scott Fitterer appears on solid ground. The job is more attractive if you start at quarterback and have a top five pick in the draft. The new coach won't inherit a bad situation. They can start over at quarterback with both of them coming off the books in the same year. In a draft with quarterback talent, they should pick in the top five. The offensive line was rebuilt and the defense has several building blocks. Adams and Pederson are a dynamic duo.
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Why make this decision now, and how did they get here?
What's the temperature in the locker room?
Who are the building blocks that could excite a new coach?
What about the rest of Carolina's future -- is it in decent salary-cap shape?
Five veterans will make between $11 and $20 million next season, as Carolina will be fairly tight against the cap. Burns will likely be extended after entering a fifth-year option. The team can save money by releasing older players. Draft capital is the biggest issue. The panthers have just nine picks over the course of the next ten years.
Fowler said that the panthers will look for a coach who can maximize talent. When opponents score at least 17 points, Rhule's record is abysmal. The new coach has to score points.
Because of what they are doing without top 10 quarterbacks, offensive coordinators such as the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, and Seattle Seahawks could get a lot of attention. It's hard to ignore what the 49ers' DeMeco Ryans is doing on the defensive side of the ball. Most weeks, this trio gives up less than a few scores. The ArizonaCardinals are interested in Vance Joseph.
With the next two opponents being the past two Super Bowl winners, finding a way to win is going to be difficult for interim coach Steve Wilks. It's not easy that injuries are mounting. Horn went to the hospital with a hip injury.
According to a league source, Baker will be out at least a couple of weeks with an ankle injury. PJ Walker was a key player in Rhule's turn around at Temple. The team could have a chance if the defense is healthy because players believe in him.
He has experience as a head coach and players respect him. If he can get his act together, he will be a candidate for the full-time position. It wouldn't be surprising if he went after Sean Payton, although it's hard to believe New Orleans would let him go.
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