The Carolina Panthers have finally lost patience with their underachieving head coach Matt Rhule. According to multiple reports, the Panthers informed Rhule on Monday that he’s relieved of his duties. The decision came after the team started the season 1-4.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Panthers’ secondary coach Steve Wilks will take over the HC duties on an interim basis. Wilks spent a total of seven years with the organization, serving in a number of different roles. He was the head coach for the Arizona Cardinals in 2018 but was fired after going 3-16 in his first year.
Matt Rhule joined the Panthers on a highly-lucrative six-year contract in 2020 with the goal of transforming the franchise into a championship contender after several lukewarm seasons under Ron Rivera. Rhule, who impressed owner David Tepper with the way he turned around college programs of Tempe and Baylor, was reportedly given much say in the organizational sense and even got a final word on the hiring of general manager Scott Fitterer.
However, Rhule failed to deliver what he was brought in for, with the Panthers going 11-27 during his time in Carolina. The 47-year-old seemed over his head in the NFL. It also didn’t help that the Panthers didn’t have a franchise QB while he was at the helm.
Rhule leaves less than three years into his deal and is reportedly set for a big compensation. He should receive north of $20 million as compensation.
