According to numerous reports from a few reputable insiders, the situation between the Carolina Panthers and head coach Matt Rhule remains quite fluid . . . or does it?
You won’t find many scribes outside of Jonathan Jones who have better connections to the franchise. After all, the current CBS Sports senior NFL reporter was the former team beat reporter for The Charlotte Observer from 2012 to 2016.
So if there’s anyone to believe in when it comes to the Panthers, Jones certainly isn’t a bad bet. And he, amidst this allegedly consequential hiring process, thinks Rhule will get a third year in 2022.
“I believe that Matt Rhule will get a vote of confidence—a public vote of confidence—from owner David Tepper once those assistant positions and that offensive coordinator position is filled,” he said this past week. “Then, the owner can point to that and say ‘There’s the change,’ and now it’s about winning or else in year three. But I don’t think Matt Rhule is going anywhere now or any time soon. I would very much believe he will be the Week 1 head coach of the Carolina Panthers.”
Rhule is currently going through the rounds in hiring for four key spots on his coaching staff. In addition to dismissing offensive coordinator Joe Brady during the team’s Week 13 bye, the second-year head coach let go of special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn, offensive line coach Pat Meyer and defensive line coach Frank Okam last Tuesday.
Fans have been wondering where Tepper has been since season’s end, particularly since the owner has gone on record saying he wants to be transparent. Well, they might not have to wonder for much longer.
